New Focused Ultrasound Tech Coming this Summer

Focused Ultrasound is coming to Cook Children’s this summer! As the first pediatric hospital in Texas-and one of only a handful nationwide-to offer this leading-edge technology, the program positions Cook Children’s at the forefront of neuro-oncology care.

Focused ultrasound is a non-invasive technology that uses sound waves—guided by MRI precision—to target tissues deep within the body without the need for incisions. Similar to how a magnifying glass focuses light onto a single point to create heat, focused ultrasound directs sound waves to a specific area, producing therapeutic effects without the need for surgery. This powerful technique can temporarily open the blood-brain barrier, paving the way for new treatments for brain tumors and other neurological conditions. Current clinical trials are exploring its potential for treating challenging conditions such as diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), offering local families access to innovative therapies that previously required travel out of state.

The Focused Ultrasound Program, funded by a $3.5 million gift, is pioneering the use of non-invasive, incisionless focused ultrasound technology to develop novel therapies for pediatric brain tumors and other malignancies. Learn more: Endowed Chair: Focused Ultrasound Program led by Sibo Zhao, M.D. | Cook Children's