Health Minister explains use of HI-FU Machine at state hospital

Minister for Health and Social Services, Dr. Kenneth Darroux has explained the functionality of  the High-Intensity Focus Ultrasound (HIFU), saying it will help boost health services at the new wing of the Dominica China Friendship Hospital.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit announced on Sunday that Government had acquired the state of the art piece of equipment, sparking public speculation about its uses.

The HIFU is a non-invasive therapeutic technique that uses non-ionizing ultrasonic waves to heat tissues.

HIFU can be used to increase the flow of blood or lymph, or to destroy tissue, such as tumors, through a number of mechanisms.

The Health Minister said the technology can be used to treat a range of disorders and as of 2015 is at various stages of development and commercialization.

“It was finally approved by the FDA in 2016 to begin noninvasive surgical treatment.

“This is a surgical piece of equipment where you don’t have to undergo a surgeon’s scalpel anymore,” Darroux said.

The Health Minister noted it is a similar method used for pregnant women who undergo ultrasounds during their term of pregnancy.