Histotripsy

How Does Histotripsy Work?

Histotripsy uses short-duration, high-negative pressure focused ultrasound pulses to mechanically destroy liver tumors at the cellular level through controlled acoustic cavitation. During the procedure, a specialized device creates microsecond-long ultrasound pulses that generate a “bubble cloud” within the targeted tissue.

These tiny bubbles rapidly expand and collapse, creating mechanical forces that precisely break down cells in the treatment area while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. The process converts the targeted cells into a harmless liquid that your body naturally absorbs and eliminates.

From start to finish, the histotripsy procedure is:

• Guided by real-time ultrasound imaging
• Extremely precise, targeting only diseased tissue
• Tissue-selective, preserving important structures
• Completed without damaging surrounding healthy tissue
• Monitored continuously throughout treatment

Histotripsy is FDA-approved for the treatment of primary and secondary liver tumors, providing patients with an effective, noninvasive option when other techniques — such as ablation —  might be too risky due to the proximity of liver tumors to critical structures or blood vessels.

Benefits of Histotripsy

Histotripsy offers numerous advantages over conventional treatments:

• Truly Noninvasive: No incisions, needles, or radiation exposure
• High Precision: Targets only the diseased tissue while sparing healthy surrounding structures
• Real-Time Monitoring: Treatment progress can be observed during the procedure
• Minimal Downtime: Most patients return to normal activities quickly
• Reduced Risk of Complications: Lower chance of bleeding, infection and other complications related to invasive surgery
• Natural Recovery: The body naturally absorbs and eliminates the treated tissue
• Outpatient Procedure: Most patients go home the same day
• Repeatable Treatment: Can be performed multiple times if needed

Ideal Candidates for Histotripsy

Before recommending a treatment plan, our team of interventional radiologists will evaluate your specific condition, medical history and goals. Histotripsy may be appropriate for patients with:

• Liver tumors (both primary and metastatic)
• Tumors that are difficult to reach with conventional surgery
• Medical conditions that make traditional surgery risky
• Previous unsuccessful treatments
• Desire for noninvasive treatment options

If you’re exploring alternatives to surgery or seeking a new approach after other treatments haven’t worked, histotripsy may offer the breakthrough you’ve been looking for. Our team will work closely with you to determine whether this innovative technology is right for you.

The Histotripsy Procedure Experience

When you choose histotripsy treatment at the Orange County Interventional Radiology Center, you can expect a comfortable and streamlined experience.

Before Your Procedure

Our team will provide specific instructions, which may include dietary restrictions, before your appointment. We’ll thoroughly explain what to expect and answer any questions you may have.

During Treatment

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and can be completed in as little as one treatment, depending on the severity of your condition. You’ll be positioned comfortably on the treatment table, and our specialized histotripsy system will be aligned with the treatment area.
A soft, flexible membrane filled with treated water is placed over the target area, allowing the sound waves to travel efficiently to the targeted tissue. Using advanced ultrasound imaging, our interventional radiologists precisely locate the tumor while monitoring the process in real-time. Although it can vary, the treatment itself usually takes 10 to 30 minutes per tumor.

After Your Procedure

Many patients can return home the same day as their procedure. You might experience some mild discomfort, which can be managed with appropriate medication. Most patients resume normal activities quickly, with significantly less downtime than traditional surgical approaches.