Multiple high-intensity focused ultrasound probes for kidney-tissue ablation.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate kidney-tissue ablation by high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) using multiple and single probes.


METHODS
Ultrasound beams (1.75 MHz) produced by a piezoceramic element (focal distance 80 mm) were focused at the center of renal parenchyma. One of the three probes (mounted on a jig) could also be used for comparison with a single probe at comparable power ratings. Lesion dimensions were examined in perfused and unperfused ex vivo porcine kidneys at different power levels (40, 60, and 80 W) and treatment times (4, 6, and 8 seconds).


RESULTS
At identical power levels, the lesions induced by multiple probes were larger than those induced by a single probe. Lesion size increased with increasing pulse duration and generator power. The sizes and shapes of the lesions were predictably repeatable in all samples. Lesions in perfused kidneys were smaller than those in unperfused kidneys.


CONCLUSIONS
Ex vivo, kidney-tissue ablation by means of multiple HIFU probes offers significant advantages over single HIFU probes in respect of lesion size and formation. These advantages need to be confirmed by tests in vivo at higher energy levels.
Häcker
Axel
A
Department of Urology, University Hospital Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Germany. axel.haecker@chir.ma.uni-heidelberg.de
Chauhan
Sunita
S
Peters
Kristina
K
Hildenbrand
Ralf
R
Marlinghaus
Ernst
E
Alken
Peter
P
Michel
Maurice Stephan
MS
D000818:Animals; D007668:Kidney / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D023421:Models, Animal; D013552:Swine; D014159:Transducers; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy / Q000379:methods*