Tissue ablation using an acoustic waveguide for high-intensity focused ultrasound

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has been shown capable of selective tissue destruction in humans, with promise as a tool for ablation of tumors, although one practical problem is reflection of sound at gas or bony interfaces within the body. We evaluated a water-filled cylindrical metal tube as a waveguide for HIFU, since such a general technique might be useful for ablation of otherwise inaccessible tumors in the body. Our studies indicate that such a waveguide is capable of propagating HIFU from a piezoelectric source, with resultant heating of tissue specimens to greater than 80 degrees C, causing focal tissue destruction.