In an effort that is being led by Dr. Larry Crum, a member of the Foundation's Research Advisory Committee, a new technique is being developed to use focused ultrasound to position kidney stones into better placement so that the body can pass them.

"We have a diagnostic ultrasound machine that has enhanced capability to image kidney stones in the body," said Dr. Michael Bailey, a principal engineer at APL-UW and co-investigator on the project. "We also have a capability that uses ultrasound waves coming right through the skin to push small stones or pieces of stones toward the exit of the kidney, so they will naturally pass, avoiding surgery."

Read more about the process here:

http://www.nsbri.org/newsflash/indivArticle.asp?id=454&articleID=155

Cancer Research Technology, the commercial arm of Cancer Research UK has spun off a private comapny called 'Acublate Limited' which will be developing a HIFU device used to treat various types of solid tumors.  Initially, the Acublate device will treat patients with bowel cancer that has spread to the liver.

Dr Keith Blundy, CRT's CEO, said: "We're delighted to be able to take the research into this exciting technology that Cancer Research UK helped fund onto the next stage. The HIFU technology currently approved for clinical use in the UK specifically targets prostate cancer but we hope the Acublate device will be able to treat most solid tumour types."

Read the press release here:

http://www.cancertechnology.com/news/single/acublate/

During a 2-minute interview with Sany Hausman of Virginia Public Radio, FUS Foundation Chairman Neal Kassell, MD provided an update on focused ultrasound development and research activities at the University of Virginia and at sites around the world. He noted that the technology has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of unterine fibroids, but that insurance companies have yet to routinely cover focused ultrasound treatments.

Click here to listen to the interview: 

http://virginiapublicradio.org/2011/12/01/charlottesvilles-focused-ultrasound-center/

Focused ultrasound is once again in the headlines. On January 23, ABC World News with Diane Sawyer introduced its viewers to Phyllis Walker, a woman with essential tremor. She was one of the 15 volunteers treated in the recently completed FUS Foundation-funded study at the University of Virginia. Following her focused ultrasound treatment, her hand became steady enough to resume everyday activities. Phyllis said she was particularly happy to be able to write letters to her two grandsons who are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Click the image below to view the report. 

ABC World News also posted an online report featuring Phyllis Walker and another clinical trial volunteer, Dot Highberg. For Highberg the surgery was a miracle.

Click here to read the online report.   

Update: ABC afflilates are also running a related story, but featuring a different patient.  An example of the circulating story is here:

http://abcnews.go.com/WNN/video/wnn-surgery-incision-15427048