Omega is the First in the Gulf South to Offer Histotripsy Technology
Treating Liver Tumors with Sound Waves
Histotripsy is a cutting-edge, non-invasive solution for liver tumors. Utilizing precision sound waves and robotic technology, histotripsy targets and destroys cancer tissue without needles, radiation, or surgery, thus allowing same-day recovery for most patients. This promising alternative to traditional treatments minimizes side effects when operating under general anesthesia.
Histotripsy: What is it and how does it work?
-
[MUSIC PLAYING] Histotripsy is a new, non-invasive technology that uses focused ultrasound waves to target and destroy cancer tissue in the liver. When the ultrasound waves are transmitted through the body and reach the targeted tissue, they cause vibrations that create high pressure. This pressure creates tiny, naturally-occurring gas bubbles known as microbubbles.
These microbubbles expand and collapse very quickly, forming a bubble cloud that moves through the targeted tissue directed by the histotripsy machine. The expansion, collapse, and vibrations make the cancer cells break apart completely. This destruction only happens inside the bubble cloud avoiding damage to tissue that is not targeted. Research indicates that important structures like blood vessels are strong enough to remain intact even as surrounding cancer tissue is destroyed.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Unlike conventional therapies, histotripsy only uses mechanical forces rather than chemicals, surgery, or radiation to destroy cancer tissue. As a result, it doesn't create heat or ions that damage healthy DNA, and it preserves antigens-- molecules that help the immune system recognize any remaining cancer cells for cleanup.
When the cancer cells are destroyed, they leave behind a harmless liquid that gets absorbed and flushed out by the body's natural drainage systems. In weeks and months that follow, the volume of unwanted tissue shrinks. At UChicago Medicine, we have specialized equipment that allows physicians to combine their expertise with robotic precision to plan the ultrasonic wave treatment and monitor it in real time. The histotripsy procedure for removing liver tumors is completely non-invasive, offering the potential to transform the patient experience.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Histotripsy Technology through HistoSonics
-
Histotripsy is a non-invasive procedure that uses high-intensity sound waves to selectively destroy cancer tissue in the liver. The procedure uses a precise machine to generate and target sound waves that create a "bubble cloud," which disrupts and destroys only the cancerous tissue. Doctors use ultrasound imaging – like what is used to see babies in the womb – to locate the tumor, determine the size of the area that needs to be treated, and precisely target and monitor the treatment area during the procedure.
-
Unlike traditional methods like surgery, radiation or ablation, histotripsy does not require any incisions, radiation, needles or invasive procedures. It is also extremely precise, selectively destroying tumor tissue while sparing adjacent structures like blood vessels and bile ducts.
-
Histotripsy is currently offered for patients with liver tumors. This includes both primary liver cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma or HCC) and metastatic liver tumors, such as those from colon cancer and neuroendocrine tumors. It is recommended for patients with three or fewer tumors that are less than 3 cm in size and in favorable locations for treatment.
-
While histotripsy is non-invasive, it still involves tissue destruction and is subject to the same risks as other types of ablation. Complications such as bleeding and infection are possible, but the risk is felt to be lower compared to invasive treatments. The procedure requires general anesthesia, and side effects can include pain or discomfort after treatment.
-
Your doctor may require you to follow some dietary restrictions for a specified time period before the planned histotripsy procedure.
-
Patients are placed under general anesthesia to ensure minimal movement and to prevent respiratory issues. The part of the histotripsy machine that generates sound waves is placed inside a soft, flexible membrane containing specially treated water that sits on the patient’s abdomen and allows the sound waves to travel to the targeted tissue. The actual histotripsy treatment can take 5-30 minutes depending on the size of the tumor.
Omega Hospital is able to conduct histotripsy procedures through technology made by HistoSonics.
Find out if you are a candidate for Histotripsy treatment
Fill out the form below to request more information
WWL-TV News Story
Breakthrough liver cancer treatment offers new hope in Louisiana
Histotripsy, a non-invasive procedure currently FDA approved for liver cancer treatment, is now available at Omega Hospital in Metairie. This revolutionary technology gives patients another option with significantly less side effects and downtime. Learn more about this exciting medical breakthrough here:
Source - https://www.wwltv.com