Testing of a HIFU probe for the treatment of superficial venous insufficiency by using MRI

A new high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) probe has been designed and tested by using MRI. The probe is intended to be used by physicians to correct valvular dysfunction in the saphenous vein, which is known to be the cause of superficial venous insufficiency (SVI) and varicose veins. Treating SVI with HIFU is possible, since venous tissue undergoes localized partial shrinkage when subjected to HIFU. In vitro experiments have demonstrated that diameter shrinkage should be sufficient to restore valvular function, as is done in the more aggressive approach known as external valvuloplasty. Numerical simulations and optimization have led to a probe design with two HIFU elements that focus sound uniformly over a line of length 7 mm, at a depth of 15 mm from the skin. A prototype of the probe has been constructed, with a holder that provides space for an MRI-imaging antenna. The probe has been tested by measuring pressure and temperature fields. Results are in good agreement with those predicted by an analytical approach and numerical simulations.