Objective:To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of focused ultrasound surgical clamp(FUSC)for partial hepatectomy

and find out the enhancement effect of SonoVue to FUSC.Methods:Twelve healthy goats were randomly divided into a FUSC group(n=6)in which FUSC was only used for the liver ablation

and a SonoVue + FUSC group(n=6)in which FUSC was performed immediately after iv injection of ultrasound contrast agent SonoVue.A FUSC was comprised of two ultrasound transducers fixed on a forceps-like handle.The directions of focused ultrasound beams produced by both transducers were opposite

with the same central axes.Ultrasound energy was continuously delivered by two transducers to ablate liver tissue located between both transducers.The frequency was 1.6 MHz

and the acoustic power was 150 W.All goats in both groups underwent laparotomy

and then the liver was totally exposed for an ablative procedure.Blood loss

FUSC exposure time

operation time required for the hepatectomy and the cross-section area of the resected liver were recorded.Histological changes were observed in the removed liver

and 10ml blood samples were collected in each goat to measure blood cells and hepatic functions after surgical procedure.All goats were followed up for complications and survival.Results:After surgical procedure

all animals survived well

and no complications were observed during follow-up period.Mean blood loss and mean exposure time were(16.9±4.2)ml and(174±9)s in the FUSC group

and(16.3±3.5)ml and(122±9)s in the SonoVue+FUSC group respectively.A statistical difference of average FUSC exposure time per unit area(P<0.05)was significantly observed between two groups.There was no significant difference of average blood loss per unit area(P>0.05)in both groups.Pathological examination showed coagulation necrosis of the targeted liver tissue

and small blood vessels were severely destroyed

with the occlusion of the ablated vessels.There was a transient increase of serum ALT

AST

TB and DB levels postoperatively in all goats

and they reduced to a normal level 7 days after surgical procedure.Conclusion:FUSC is feasible and effective for partial hepatectomy

which has advantage of convenience

less time and blood loss.FUSC combined with microbubble contrast agen(tSonoVue)can enhance the biological effects of FUSC and improve the efficiency of FUSC.