• CT Scans
• Interventional Radiology
• Mammography
• MRI & Open MRI
  • MRI Head
  • MRI Brain
  • MRI Chest
  • MRI Abdomen
  • MRI Spine
  • Cardiac MRI
  • MRI Lower Extremities
  • MRI Upper Extremities
  • MRI Breast
  • MRI Angiography
• Nuclear Medicine
• PET Scans
• Ultrasound
• Vein Treatment
• Women's Imaging
• X-Ray

Magnetic Resonance Image Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS)

Magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a non-invasive outpatient procedure that uses high intensity focused ultrasound waves to ablate (destroy) the fibroid tissue. During the procedure, an interventional radiologist uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to see inside the body to deliver the treatment directly to the fibroid.

Your doctor may recommend MRgFUS to treat uterine fibroids, a less invasive method as compared to hysterectomy and myomectomy.

On the day of the exam, follow your daily routine; take any prescribed medicines. Do not wear eye makeup; some brands contain substances that can cause swelling and discomfort. Wear comfortable clothing that does not contain metal (such as sweat pants, sweatshirts, and sports bra). Your MRI scan may take up to one hour, but allow extra time for checking in. Hearing aids and any other electronic or metal device will need to be removed before entering the MRI scan room. These devices can be damaged by the magnetic field. Lockers are provided for wallets, key chains, watches, and other personal items.

A MRgFUS consists of two machines, a Magnetic Resonance Image scanner (MRI) and an Ultrasound (US). The MRI unit is a large cylinder-shaped tube surrounded by a circular magnet and you will lie on a movable examination table that slides into the center of the magnet. The Ultrasound scanners consist of a console containing a computer and electronics, a video display screen and a transducer that is used to scan the body and blood vessels.

MRI scans identify the tissue in the body to treat and are used to plan each patient's procedure. MRI's provide a three-dimensional view of the targeted tissue, allowing for precise focusing and delivery of the ultrasound energy. MRI also enables the physician to monitor tissue temperature in real-time to ensure adequate but safe heating of the target. Immediate imaging of the treated area following MRgFUS helps the physician determine if the treatment was successful.

The ultrasound energy used in MRgFUS can pass through skin, muscle, fat and other soft tissues. High-intensity ultrasound energy that is directed to the fibroid heats up the tissue and destroys it. This method of tissue destruction is called thermal ablation.