Bibliometric analysis of high-intensity focused ultrasound

This study analyzes global literature on High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), presenting its research distribution, thematic domains, and developmental trajectory.

Data from the Web of Science were analyzed using InCites, CiteSpace, and VOSviewer to examine co-occurrence patterns, research hotspots, and citation bursts among countries, institutions, authors, and keywords.

HIFU research progressed slowly from 1994 to 2002, experienced rapid growth from 2003 to 2012, and entered a stable, high-output phase from 2013 to 2024. The United States and China led in both research output and impact, whereas Europe showed lower output but outstanding research quality. The primary research directions encompassed basic and clinical studies, technical optimization, and evaluations of safety and efficacy.

Over the past three decades, HIFU research has evolved from foundational exploration to rapid expansion and technological maturation. Global HIFU research now presents substantial opportunities, driven by expanding clinical indications, growing demand for non-invasive therapies, and integration with imaging guidance, drug delivery, and precision medicine. However, its transition toward standardized clinical application still requires higher-quality evidence, large-scale multicenter studies, greater methodological rigor, and further improvements in treatment reproducibility, long-term efficacy, and international standardization.