High intensity focused ultrasound: The fundamentals, clinical applications and research trends

Diagnostic ultrasound has been clinically used for decades. More recently, high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has been developed for therapeutic use as a non-invasive technique for tissue ablation. HIFU is also being investigated for advanced applications at the cellular level. Under guidance by magnetic resonance or ultrasound imaging, HIFU can achieve precise biological effects in tissue with a high safety profile. In this article, we discuss the basic principles, advantages and limitations of HIFU. We will also address the food and drug administration (FDA) approved clinical applications in the United States and highlight active HIFU research with promising clinical outcomes.