Histotripsy for a kidney mass
90-second narration transcript

0:00–0:08
Histotripsy is being studied for kidney masses. Here is how it works.

0:08–0:18
The patient lies on their side. A water bath against the skin links the treatment head to the body.

0:18–0:29
Ultrasound imaging helps the team locate the mass and plan the treatment area, including a margin around it.

0:29–0:46
Short sound pulses pass through the skin without an incision. They meet at a small focus, where tiny bubbles form, expand, and collapse. This breaks tissue apart mechanically. Heat is not the treatment mechanism.

0:46–0:59
The focus moves through the planned area. Solid tissue breaks down into fluid containing tiny cell fragments, called acellular debris.

0:59–1:12
We hide the fluid in this illustration to show the space inside the treated area. The kidney's outer contour remains visible.

1:12–1:23
Later, the body can clear the broken-down material, and the treated area can shrink. This change takes time.

1:23–1:30
The team uses imaging and clinical assessment to decide whether a kidney mass can be treated.