Ultrasound-Guided High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound for Devascularization of Uterine Fibroid: A Feasibility Study

This study aimed to establish the feasibility of ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (USgHIFU) for devascularization of uterine fibroids. Ultrasound color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) and B-mode imaging were used to target fibroid vascularity. The vessels were covered and ablated by high-intensity focused ultrasound spots. In this study, 42 fibroids with a volume of 66.98 ± 4.00 cm 3 were treated. No blood flow was detected by post-treatment CDFI in 40 fibroids. The 6-mo non-perfusion volume rate was 75.23% ± 34.77% ( n = 40). The mean shrinkage in fibroid volume was 38.20% and 43.89%, respectively, at 1 and 6 mo after treatment ( p < 0.001). The uterine fibroid symptom and quality of life scores were reduced by 9.43% at 1 mo and 26.66% at 6-mo after treatment ( p < 0.001). No serious adverse event was observed. This study demonstrates the feasibility of USgHIFU-induced fibroid devascularization, and more studies are required for the evaluation of safety and efficacy.