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Histotripsy, Liver Tumor Treatment
For individuals diagnosed with liver tumors, Virginia Mason Franscian Health is proud to offer histotripsy as a promising and less invasive treatment alternative. Histotripsy treats tumors without the need for surgery or radiation, leading to improved healing and a smoother recovery process.
What is histotripsy?
Histotripsy is unique in its ability to pinpoint and eliminate unhealthy tissue. It works by creating microscopic bubbles that form and collapse rapidly, generating force that precisely breaks down targeted cells. Crucially, this action is confined only within these "bubble clouds," protecting surrounding healthy tissue from damage.
During the histotripsy procedure, our experienced physicians utilize real-time diagnostic ultrasound. This advanced imaging allows them to precisely pinpoint the targeted tissue, plan the treatment, and ensure the highest degree of accuracy and safety for your care.
What to expect
Step 1: Consultation
If you are considering histotripsy, you will meet with your doctor who will answer your questions and discuss your eligibility for this procedure. If approved for histotripsy, you will schedule a date and time for the procedure.
Step 2: Prep
Your doctor may require you to follow some dietary restrictions before planning histotripsy. Be sure to follow all instructions before your planned date.
Step 3: Day of Procedure
You will be guided into a room with a histotripsy system. Your doctor may perform an ultrasound for additional confirmation of your tumor location. General anesthesia will be administered and your doctor will place a histotripsy treatment head over the targeted tumor.
Step 4: Histotripsy Begins
During the procedure, the treatment head delivers acoustic energy to the targeted tissue while your doctor monitors the treatment area using ultrasound imaging.
Step 5: Duration of Therapy
The procedure time will vary depending on specific variables and the number of histotripsy treatments delivered in one session.
Step 6: Recovery
After the treatment, you may experience some pain depending on the treatment area. Many patients can return home on the day of the procedure or the day after and usually resume their normal activities quickly.
If you believe histotripsy may be a suitable treatment option or would like to learn more, our team is ready to support and answer any questions you may have.