Development and translation of histotripsy: current status and future directions.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this article is to outline the initial development of histotripsy, a noninvasive image-guided focused ultrasound technology that mechanically homogenizes targeted tissues and to describe the results of preclinical translational research directed toward urologic applications.


RESULTS
Histotripsy tissue ablation is based on initiation and control of acoustic cavitation at a target point within the body. This unique mechanical mechanism of action is distinct when compared with conventional thermal ablative modalities. Features of histotripsy (nonthermal, noninvasive, high precision, real-time monitoring/feedback, and tissue liquefaction) have prompted assessment of this technology as a potential ablative therapy for a number of organs and disease processes.


CONCLUSIONS
Ongoing research efforts to apply histotripsy to preclinical models of benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate cancer, renal masses, and renal calculi have resulted in enhanced understanding of cavitation bioeffects, refinement of treatment systems, strategies to enhance treatment efficiency, and initiation of a pilot human clinical trial to assess the safety of histotripsy for benign prostatic hyperplasia therapy.
Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
William W
WW
Roberts
D055011:Ablation Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007669:Kidney Calculi / Q000601:surgery; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000601:surgery; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D013520:Urologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods