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The MRgFUS uses the
help of MRI images to destroy and treat tumors with
converged ultrasonic waves. With the MRI images,
the tumorous points are accurately pinpointed, so
that treatment can be done with the doctors knowing
exactly where to “operate” while obtaining the right
temperature for the process, which is done with
the patient lying face-down. Some patients are treated
with a small dosage of anesthetics to prevent the
patients’ bodies from moving during the process,
during which body movement is somewhat restricted.
The MRI uses a magnetic resonance spectrometer,
thus it is not harmful to the human body. |
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Ultrasonic waves are
usually single waves, but by gathering such waves
in a large quantity, a large amount of energy, i.e.
a high temperature, can be obtained. Using this
heat, the cancerous cells and tumors are destroyed.
One of the biggest advantages of using this process
is that the patient’s body (other than the tumorous
organ) is not affected because the MRgFUS uses ultrasonic
waves which do not harm the body at all. Thus, the
MRgFUS process enables fibroids, myomata, and cancerous
cells and organs to be treated without harming any
other parts of the patients’ bodies.
*left: an MRI device (SIGNA infinity EXCITE 1.5T
by GE) |
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The concept of the MRI-guided FUS is similar to
that of a magnifying glass. Magnifying glasses capture
light and converge it to one point, gathering enough
heat to light a fire. Using this concept of a magnifying
glass, MRgFUS gathers and converges ultrasonic waves
to one point and treats the tumors and myomata with
the gathered energy. The MRgFUS method has been
studied and used for ten years, and with the help
of MRI images and advanced technology, the myomata
are able to be treated without direct surgical contact
and hence leaving no visible scars. |
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Numerous clinical tests based on invasive ductal
carcinoma were performed in seven countries around
the world since the MRgFUS
was approved by the FDA in 2001. Breastopia Namba
Hospital has been participating in the Protocol
BC001-BC004, a Internationally founded clinical
study.
. We also plan to participate this fall in BC004,
a Internationally founded clinical study, and will
investigate and review approximately 2100 surgery
records from the past. We are also working on creating
a new protocol based on using only the MRgFUS
when treating local relapse. The participants of
such clinical tests include Harvard University’s
Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Montreal University’s
St. Luc Hospital out of the four institutions in
North America; two institutions in Europe, two in
the Middle East, and one (Breastopia Namba Clinic)
in Asia.
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Ferenc Jolesz, M.D.
Vice-Chairman, Division of Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Affiliations：Radiology
Clinical Background
Brigham & Women's Hospital
Radiology 1985
Board Certification: Diagnostic Radiology 1987
Clinical Interests:
image-guided therapy, magnetic resonance imaging, neuroradiology, therapeutic focused ultrasound |
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Breastopia
Healthcare Group Breastopia Namba Hospital