Ultrasound Device Zaps Uterine Tumors

FRIDAY, Oct. 22 (HealthDayNews) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new ultrasound device that helps doctors target and destroy uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous masses that develop in a woman's uterus.

The ExAblate 2000, made by the Israeli firm InSightec Ltd., uses a focused ultrasound beam that heats and destroys fibroid tissue. The procedure, which takes place as the patient lies in an MRI machine, can last as long as three hours, the FDA said. The device shouldn't be used on tumors located near sensitive organs such as the bowel or bladder.

As many as 40 percent of women 35 and older have uterine fibroids. Some patients do not have any symptoms, while others may experience heavy and prolonged menstrual periods; pain in the back of the legs or pelvis; pressure on the bladder or bowels; or pain during sexual intercourse.

The device was tested in clinical trials on 109 women with uterine fibroids at seven medical centers worldwide. However, 21 percent of these women needed follow-up surgical treatment within a year, the FDA said.

The device shouldn't be used on women who want to become pregnant, the agency warned.

To learn more about uterine fibroids, visit the National Library of Medicine.

-- Scott Roberts