On-line MRI monitored noninvasive ultrasound surgery

In this study the feasibility of using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect tissue necrosis induced by focussed ultrasound beams was investigated. It was shown that the sonications can be done in the magnet and that the lesions are visible immediately after the sonications with increasing image contrast as a function of time. These results showed that MRI can be used to direct and monitor on-line noninvasive ultrasound surgery. This may have a major impact in future patient treatments.