Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026
Evaluation of the Feasibility, Safety, and Accuracy of an Intraoperative High-intensity Focused Ultrasound Device for Treating Liver Metastases
Published on: January 9, 2019
High-intensity focused ultrasound as an alternative to the surgical approach in primary hyperparathyroidism: a
C E Ambrosini1, L Cianferotti, A Picone
1Department of Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Paradisa, Pisa, Italy.
Background:
Surgery is the therapy of choice in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), although other less invasive techniques have been used in the attempt to cure the disease. Recently, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), a totally non-invasive technique, has become available to cure solid tumors.
Aim:
The aim of this pilot study has been to assess the safety and efficacy of HIFU in symptomatic patients with PHPT.
Material And Methods:
Four out of 31 patients with surgical indications within a cohort of 47-screened patients with PHPT were considered eligible for the study. All patients accepted to participate and were submitted to HIFU treatment in a single session. One patient was submitted to surgery after HIFU treatment. Patients were followed-up for 12 months after the procedure.
Results:
A persistent or a partial remission of the disease, respectively, were obtained in 2 patients (50%), including the one who underwent surgery after HIFU treatment. Safety was assessed performing laryngoscopy in all patients after HIFU procedure. A transient vocal cord paralysis was observed in all patients treated by HIFU only. No permanent side effects were observed in the long term.
Conclusions:
HIFU might be a promising technique in treating PHPT, provided that further development of the software decreases the rate of side effects and improves the short- and long-term efficacy.
