In 1999 there was a new company started, InSightec, when GE Healthcare and Elbit Medical imaging joined their technologies to develop and manufacture non-invasive magnetic resonance (MRI) guided focused ultrasound technologies. The company has been in the process of developing a system that combines MRIs with ultrasound to non-surgically destroy fibroids and tumors. The company describes their process as being non-invasive and creating the operating room of the future.

Currently, the procedure and their equipment is FDA approved for use to remove fibroids of the uterus. The procedure does hold promise for use of many other different types of ailments, including for the treatment of prostate cancer, both local and metastatic.

I stumbled upon a video about their process and have to admit I was very fascinated by it and its potentials. Of course, the video is made by InSightec to promote their products, so one does need view it with a little skepticism. However, I did find it fascinating and probably gives a view of the potential of the future.

You can view the video at: http://www.youtube.com/embed/IfJemqkby_0?rel=0.

Joel T. Nowak, M.A., M.S.W.