Histotripsy
Histotripsy
Histotripsy for Liver Cancer Advanced Treatment at IMS
At IMS, we are proud to offer Histotripsy, a cutting-edge, non-invasive treatment option for patients with liver cancer. Using focused ultrasound technology, Histotripsy precisely targets tumors without the need for incisions, providing an innovative alternative to traditional therapies. Our commitment is to deliver the most advanced care while minimizing discomfort and recovery time.
Are you a candidate for histotripsy?
About Histotripsy
Histotripsy is a revolutionary procedure that employs high-intensity focused ultrasound to destroy cancerous tissue. Unlike conventional treatments, this therapy is non-invasive, precise, and safe, reducing the risk to surrounding healthy tissue. This breakthrough technology represents a new frontier in liver cancer care, offering hope and improved outcomes for patients.
Why Choose Histotripsy IMS?
The Latest Detection and Care Options
Our team at IMS combines advanced imaging, innovative therapies, and individualized care plans to ensure patients receive the most effective liver cancer treatments available. From early detection to cutting-edge therapies like Histotripsy, we provide comprehensive support at every stage of treatment.
Our Expert Liver Team
Our multidisciplinary Liver Program brings together specialists in hepatology, radiology, oncology, and surgery to create personalized care strategies. By collaborating across disciplines, we ensure that each patient receives the best possible treatment tailored to their unique needs.
Histotripsy at IMS:
Histotripsy at IMS:
Next-Generation Healing Options
Histotripsy represents a next-generation approach to liver cancer therapy, combining precision and safety through advanced ultrasound technology.
A Team United for Your Health
Our physicians work hand-in-hand with leading researchers and technology providers to deliver a state-of-the-art treatment experience.
Dedicated Support For Every Stage of Liver Care
From diagnosis to post-treatment follow-up, IMS offers a complete continuum of care, ensuring patients have access to all the resources and support needed throughout their treatment journey.
Meet the Interventional Radiologists
Meet the Interventional Radiologists
Jonathan Steinberger, M.D.
Gabriel Lipshutz, M.D.
Alex Misono, M.D.
Dr. Misono specializes in Vascular and Interventional Radiology and has been with the team since 2018. An active researcher in the fields of radiology and interventional radiology, Dr. Misono graduated from Harvard Medical School and did his residency in diagnostic radiology at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Following that, he completed training as a fellow in Vascular & Interventional Radiology at the Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute.
Trushar Patel, M.D.
Dr. Patel specializes in Vascular and Interventional Radiology with a focus in Interventional Oncology and has been with the team since 2014. After completing his residency at Cornell Medical Center and training at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Dr. Patel did a fellowship in Vascular and Interventional Radiology at the University of California, San Francisco.
Tust Techasith, M.D.
Dr. Techasith specializes in Vascular and Interventional Radiology, with a particular emphasis on minimally invasive treatment of cancer and venous disease, and has been with the team since 2020. After graduating from Harvard Medical School, he completed his internship at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center where he was awarded Intern of the Year. He subsequently completed both his residency training in Diagnostic Radiology, serving as chief resident, and fellowship training in Vascular and Interventional Radiology at Stanford University Medical Center.
Ready to take the first step towards better health?
Request an appointment with IMS today to experience the difference our comprehensive care can make in your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether or not you need to stay overnight in the hospital after the procedure depends on several factors, including whether you are experiencing any pain and how you feel overall. Most patients go home the same or next day.
The doctor will decide based on your individual situation.
Yes. Currently, there are no contraindications to receiving other treatments after histotripsy. Histotripsy has been used before, after, or in combination with other therapies. The decision to incorporate histotripsy and the potential impact on future clinical decisions should be discussed with your physician.
If you are eligible to be treated with histotripsy, you will be scheduled for an outpatient ultrasound screening evaluation of your liver before the actual histotripsy treatment. This evaluation is done to make sure that your liver tumor(s) can be accurately targeted and safely treated with histotripsy. If this evaluation confirms that your tumor(s) can be treated with histotripsy, you will be scheduled for treatment.
- Depending on where your tumor is and the results of the ultrasound pre-screen, you may be asked to follow a restricted diet for several days prior to your histotripsy treatment.
- On the day of your histotripsy treatment, you will be asked to avoid food or drinks for 8 hours prior to treatment.
- On arrival, you will meet an anesthesiologist and nurse. Medical imaging will likely be done following the procedure. Typically, you will get an MRI or CT scan, preferably with contrast, within 36 hours of your treatment.
Then, one month after treatment, you will likely have a contrast enhanced CT or MRI scan to evaluate the treated tumor(s).
Most sites are using general anesthesia to perform the procedure. Histotripsy is a highly precise treatment; general anesthesia is primarily used to control patient movement and tumor motion during the procedure.
Questions about anesthesia for the procedure should be discussed with your physician.
The active histotripsy time will vary depending on the size and location of your tumor. The full procedure time usually ranges from 1-3 hours, but some could be longer depending on various factors, including the number and size of tumors being treated.
Medicare should cover the procedure if it is reasonable and necessary. However, it will be necessary to have your selected histotripsy provider verify coverage with private insurance. Like other new technologies, treatment coverage and payment are still being established with the different insurance companies.
Patients with primary and metastatic liver tumors may be candidates for histotripsy. Consult your physician or use our doctor locator tool on our website to find an experienced healthcare professional who offers histotripsy treatment near you, and they can determine if histotripsy is an appropriate option for you.
The histotripsy procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia, so you should not experience pain during the procedure. You may feel some pain after treatment depending on the area treated, but there are no incision wounds, and many times you can return to normal activities quickly. You may also experience some muscular soreness, depending on how you are positioned for the procedure. In our #HOPE4LIVER Trial, the most common adverse device effects were abdominal pain, procedural pain, and fever.
1-4 Histotripsy of liver tumors has been generally well-tolerated by patients. Histotripsy avoids certain complications associated with other liver tumor therapies, such as surgical site infections and radiation sickness. However, all medical procedures involve risk. Patients should consult their physician for more information and to understand the risks and benefits of histotripsy of the liver. Histotripsy results in the destruction of liver tissue, including liver tumors, which may impact overall liver function. The most common side effects reported in clinical trials are procedural pain, abdominal pain, and fever. In rare instances, patients have experienced minor skin injuries not requiring further medical attention, as well as kidney and bleeding events that required further medical attention. Each patient experience will vary. Ensure your provider is aware of your complete medical history so they can properly assess if histotripsy is the right option for you.
