Is a new and innovative procedure in which focused ultrasound can be used to destroy tumors in a limited area. This is not a thermoablation but a mechanical destruction of tumor cells by microbubbles formed by high-energy ultrasound waves (cavitation).

After planning the therapy by sonography, a robotic arm performs the ablation point by point in a marked tumor area with an appropriate safety zone. The procedure is non-invasive, i.e. no access/skin incision/puncture is required for this therapy.

Following the procedure, the patient is monitored for a few hours and transferred back to the ward. If there are no complications, the patient can be discharged on the 2nd day after the procedure.

The destroyed tissue will be degraded by the body's own cells over the next few months.

The procedure is currently being performed in our clinic as part of the #HOPE4LIVER study. Since it must be ensured that the energy is only applied to the desired site and involuntary movements of the patient must be avoided, the histotripsy is currently performed under general anesthesia as part of the study. However, it can be assumed that sedation of the patient will be sufficient in the future.

The success of the therapy is monitored with CT and/or MRI and blood checks at 3-month intervals. For this purpose, the patient (if desired) automatically receives an appointment through our outpatient clinic.