High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for the treatment of rectal tumors: a feasibility study

A rigid ultrasound probe is under development for combined imaging and ablation of rectal tumors with high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). To test the device and to assess safety and efficacy of this technology, a canine model was developed by inducing rectal pseudotumors. These animals were imaged by ultrasound and treated with HIFU. The gross pathology and microscopic histology examinations were performed to establish performance of the device. It was observed that HIFU is capable of ablating the tumor tissue while sparing the rectal wall layers and normal surrounding tissue