Cancer Resources and Support
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Histotripsy
Innovative treatment for liver tumors
Histotripsy is a non-invasive procedure that uses focused ultrasound waves to treat liver tumors. Most patients can go home the same day and return to normal activities soon after treatment.
Talk to your doctor early about whether histotripsy can be part of your cancer treatment plan.
Corewell Health Grand Rapids Hospitals - Butterworth is one of the first hospitals in Michigan to use histotripsy.
How histotripsy works
The FDA-approved Edison® Histotripsy System delivers precise, high-energy ultrasound pulses to target and destroy tumor tissue while limiting damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
It is a non-surgical procedure that does not require incisions or needles through the skin or the use of radiation or heat. General anesthesia keeps patients comfortable and still.
Standard ultrasound uses sound waves to create images that let doctors see soft tissues inside the body. Histotripsy uses higher-energy sound waves to create microscopic bubbles within the tumor. These bubbles rapidly expand and collapse, forming a “bubble cloud” that breaks down targeted tumor tissue. The body absorbs the remains of the treated tissue within months following the procedure.
Benefits of histotripsy
- Completely non-invasive
- Does not use radiation or heat
- Limits damage to surrounding healthy tissue
- Low risk of bleeding and infection
- Can treat multiple tumors in a single session
- Can be repeated if necessary
- Same-day procedure for most patients
- Short recovery time and return to normal activities
Potential risks
All procedures have some risk. Possible side effects of histotripsy include:
- Bruising or swelling near the treatment site
- Changes in liver-related blood tests
- Fatigue
- Low-grade fever
- Nausea
- Pain or discomfort over the treatment area
- Temporary soreness or tenderness
Your doctor will review the risks with you and explain what to expect before the procedure.
Need a deeper understanding?
Call to learn more or get a second opinion to confirm a diagnosis or to validate treatment.