The blade of sound waves：principles and applications of ultrasound therapy

Ultrasound technology is evolving from a traditional diagnostic tool into the “blade of sound waves”of precision medicine. This article briefly reviews the physical foundations and clinical applications of ultrasound therapy, which utilizes focusing techniques to concentrate acoustic energy at precise locations measuring just a few millimeters in size, enabling non-invasive treatment. Its mechanism is primarily based on thermal and mechanical effects: the former convert absorbed acoustic energy into heat within tissues, leading to protein denaturation and coagulative necrosis of cells; the latter generate physical actions such as microjets and shock waves through acoustic radiation force, cavitation effects, and other phenomena to disrupt pathological tissues. Currently, high-intensity focused ultrasound thermal ablation has achieved widespread clinical application, while emerging developments such as histotripsy, neuromodulation, and tumor immunotherapy are promising future applications. Through the integration of acoustic engineering, materials science, and artificial intelligence technologies, ultrasound therapy is poised to break through the limitations of traditional treatment modalities and bring revolutionary breakthroughs to precision medicine.