A Systematic Review of the Current Trends and Future Directions of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound in Neurosurgery.

INTRODUCTION

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has evolved significantly since its introduction to neurosurgery over 15 years ago. In the past decade, its clinical use has expanded to treat a broader range of surgical domains and indications. However, the pace and pattern of this evolution remain poorly characterized within the literature. This systematic review aimed to synthesize global research on HIFU in neurosurgery over the past 10 years, identifying trends across indications and regions.

METHODS

Following PRISMA guidelines, we identified clinical studies involving HIFU in neurosurgical practice from January 1, 2014, to November 1, 2024. Studies were categorized by application and country of origin, and a quantitative analysis was performed to assess distribution and trends in these factors.

RESULTS

A total of 498 studies were included. Research output increased over the period, from 13 studies in 2014 to 92 in 2024. While the scope of clinical applications expanded from 6 to 13 domains over this period, a disparity in research volume persisted, with movement disorders - particularly essential tremor (62.0%) and Parkinson's disease (29.9%) - accounting for the majority of publications. Nonetheless, growth was observed in previously underrepresented domains such as neurooncology, psychiatry, epilepsy, chronic pain, and neurovascular disorders. Geographically, the USA accounted for the largest share of publications (38.4%), followed by Switzerland (11.6%) and the UK (8.2%). Over this period, study quality improved with a shift from case reports and pilot studies toward an increasing number of cohort studies and randomized controlled trials.

CONCLUSION

This review outlines the accelerating, yet uneven, exploration of HIFU in neurosurgical practice over the past decade. While movement disorders remain the central focus of this technology, expanding interest in underexplored indications indicates a shifting landscape. At the same time, the maturation of study designs reflects a strengthening evidence base. As the field advances, increased global collaboration and greater attention to budding applications are necessary.