Frequently Asked Questions

During the 3-4 hour procedure, the patient lies on her stomach on a table inside an MRI scanner. Sedation and pain medication are given for relaxation. The patient is conscious throughout the procedure and in constant communication with the doctor. 

First, MR images are taken to locate the tumor and surrounding anatomy and these images are used to plan treatment. Then individual pulses of focused ultrasound energy, called sonications, each lasting about 20 seconds, are directed to the fibroid. During each sonication, the tissue is heated to a temperature that results in necrosis, MR images are taken during each sonication showing the temperature reached allowing for real time control and monitoring of the treatment. Each treatment requires multiple sonications, depending on the size of the tumor. After the treatment, MR images with contrast agent are taken to determine the outcome of the treatment.

Following the procedure the patient rests for 1-2 hours until the sedation wears off and then returns home. Most people return to normal activity within 2-3 days.

 ExAblate for uterine fibroids patient pamphlet (890 Kb)

In general, people who cannot go into an MRI will not be able to have the ExAblate treatment – this includes patients with metallic implants, patients who are claustrophobic, and patients who are allergic to the contrast agent, a dye used to see blood vessels during MR imaging. There are contraindications specific to each application and clinical protocol.

Each exposure of focused ultrasound, or "sonication", ablates a volume in the tumor of about 6x6x25 mm.  Therefore, multiple sonications are required to ablate the entire tumor, and the time required for a treatment depends on the tumor size.  Treatments usually do not last longer than three hours, and multiple treatments may be required for large tumors.