Myocardial Lesion Formation Using High-intensity Focused Ultrasound

The potential therapeutic uses of ultrasound energy in cardiac diseases have not been well studied. We tested a novel system to deliver high-intensity focused ultrasound energy in vitro and in vivo to canine myocardial samples without direct contact with the target tissue. Focal myocardial lesions were formed in a dose-dependent manner, and myocardial lesions were created. This technology may prove useful for ablation of focal intramyocardial lesions such as arrhythmogenic foci and the hypertrophic left ventricular septum in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.