MRgFUS The word is an acronym in English for focused ultrasound surgery guided by MRI (Magnetic Resonance-guided Focused Ultrasound Surgery MRgFUS).

MRgFUS surgery technology belongs to the emerging field of technology "non-invasive surgery image-guided." The main idea is the application of energy as harmless ultrasonic beam from outside the patient.

The entire process is planned and controlled in real time and in three dimensions, using MRI, within which the patient lies. The broadcast team consists of ultrasound on the stretcher on which the patient is.

The non-invasive surgery technology MRgFUS is legally approved for use in the European Union (with the appropriate certification and CE), in the following applications, available in Cartuja Institute:

          • Treatment of uterine fibroids

          • Palliative treatment of bone metastases pain

In Cartuja Institute worked intensively with our partners to extend and expand the range of application of these new technologies. Soon we hope to offer new applications in other fields of application and for the treatment of other diseases.

          • It is a completely non-invasive procedure

          • No hospitalization

          • No anesthesia (only mild conscious sedation)

          • No radiation (used ultrasound safe)

          • There is no "dose limits" (can be repeated if necessary)

          • The return to everyday activity occurs very quickly (usually next day)

          • It constitutes a significant improvement in their quality of life

It is generally a very safe procedure and complications are rare. The Medical Team Cartuja Institute will inform in detail about all aspects of treatment.

Like any medical procedure, non-invasive surgery MRgFUS has defined criteria for treatment adequacy. The Medical Team of fibroids determines which cases are treatable or not. With our system can be treated submucosal fibroids, subserosal and intramural (these are terms used to describe the location within the uterus). In one session, you can try more than one myoma.

They are treatable pedunculated fibroids (attached to the wall of the uterus like a pendulum), those close to a sensitive organ (such as the intestine) or that are inaccessible by their location.

Throughout the procedure the patient is still lying face down on the table (table) Magnetic Resonance.

First, it performs an MRI to locate the pelvic area and uterus / fibroids. With these images, the medical team plans the treatment and the number of points that need to be focused ultrasound.

When treatment begins, a focused ultrasound beam is directed to each point of myoma aim for about 15 seconds and heats the tissue. Simultaneously, the treated tissue imaged and measured with precision (by MRI), the temperature reached in the area. Then the system of the ultrasonic transmitter is moving, towards the next point of treatment, and the process repeats every 90 seconds until it is the total volume of myoma goal. Usually performed in the order of 30-100 pulses of ultrasound, for a period of about 3 hours, which is the approximate time duration of the treatment.

Finally, a new MRI done to determine the success of treatment, and measure the percentage of necrotic tissue.

The process of MRgFUS surgery is performed by the surgeon who, along with radiologists, controls the entire system. Also involved are anesthesia professionals, technicians and nurses involved.

In the Medical Equipment Institute is also Cartuja professionals and Gynecology Oncology to inform the patient and doctor of the medical aspects that need.

Treatment by non-invasive surgery is performed in MRgFUS Facility Cartuja Institute in Science and Technology Park 93 Cartuja in Seville. This is the first and, to date, only facility with this technology available in Spain.

No. The non-invasive surgical treatment is performed under sedation MRgFUS aware of / the patient. This process is controlled by an anesthetist Institute of Medical Equipment Cartuja.

The duration of treatment of a tumor through minimally invasive surgery MRgFUS depends on the type, size and extent of the lesion to be treated.

Each case is considered a specific and appropriate treatment is planned. Typically, treatment lasts about 2-3 hours and the patient must wait about 2 additional hours in a recovery room, after which you can return to your home.

In the treatment of uterine fibroids, usually, the patient can return to normal activity the next day. Depending on initial symptoms, the patient begins to feel better after 2 to 3 months.

In the palliative treatment of pain in bone metastases, reducing the level of pain is usually noticed immediately after treatment, with small variations in the level to be stabilized after two or three days of treatment.

No. The non-invasive surgery technology uses beams of ultrasound MRgFUS completely harmless (such as conventional ultrasound) that, by concentrating on one point, achieving, in a controlled, the temperature needed to destroy the tumor (peer to peer) without harm the environment.

The whole process of treatment planning, implementation and evaluation of ultrasound of the results is performed in an MRI, which does not use radiation.

No. In the palliative treatment of pain in bone metastases is not the primary tumor or its metastases. This treatment helps reduce the level of pain, often very significantly, resulting in improved quality of life: The patient and his family.

Since ultrasound is safe, there is no concept of "limit dose" (characteristic of the radiotherapy or chemotherapy) for treatment can be repeated as necessary if the size or number of lesions required to do so.

Although the treatment to be successful, destroying fibroids that cause symptoms does not preclude that eventually may emerge with the same symptoms fibroids and also require treatment. This happens with all treatment options than with hysterectomy (complete removal of the uterus). In previous clinical studies, only 21% of patients required a second session in the subsequent year.

The treatment options for fibroids are:

In any case, consult your doctor about appropriate treatment options. Gynecology Medical Equipment Institute Cartuja is available to inform treatment options using the new non-invasive surgery technology MRgFUS.

Yes, there are numerous publications and scientific references in the forums and most prestigious specialized journals and updated. Most publications are in the last 5 years. Also available are publications by the members of our research team.

View more information

Yes non-invasive surgery technology MRgFUS is spreading worldwide. With its center in Seville, Spain first and only with this technology, Instituto Cartuja is incorporated through new Technologies Laboratory Noninvasive Treatment of Tumors to the international network of centers that have MRgFUS technology on an operational basis, and in the context of collaboration in R & D between universities and public and private health.

These centers include, in Europe, the Hospital St. Mary's with Imperial College London Clinic Charité University Von Humboldt in Berlin and the United States, Brigham Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Weill Medical College, the University of California, San Diego, Cornell University and others.

          • www.insightec.com

          • www.uterine-fibroids.org

          • www.fusfoundation.org