University of Michigan Opened New Histotripsy Center
The research facility in Ann Arbor debuted on September 10, 2026, to advance non-invasive tissue destruction technology.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Healthcare
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The University of Michigan launched the University of Michigan Histotripsy Center on September 10, 2026, to provide specialized equipment for ultrasound-based research. The new center aims to accelerate clinical progress for the innovative medical technology.
Why it matters
The facility provides concentrated resources and expertise to help refine histotripsy technology, which uses ultrasound pulses to mechanically destroy target tissue through rapid bubble collapse. This development supports ongoing efforts to expand the medical applications of the platform beyond liver cancer treatment.
HistoSonics, the developer of the histotripsy tools, reached a $3.75 billion valuation in June 2026 and currently employs approximately 500 people. The new facility will focus on advancing these technologies to support broader medical use cases.
The players
University of Michigan
This is a public research university that provides academic and clinical resources for medical innovation.
HistoSonics
This company was created specifically to develop and commercialize histotripsy technology tools.
Corewell Health
This is a non-profit health system that acquired histotripsy tool technology in 2025.
The details
The center utilizes advanced ultrasound equipment that causes gas bubbles to grow and collapse within tissue, allowing for precise destruction of masses. Researchers at the facility anticipate the platform will secure FDA authorization for kidney and pancreatic tumor treatments within the next year.
Timeline
2023: The FDA approved histotripsy for liver cancer treatment.
2025: Corewell Health acquired the HistoSonics tool.
June 2026: HistoSonics reached a valuation of $3.75 billion.
September 10, 2026: A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the opening of the center.
Within the next year: The university expects FDA authorization for kidney and pancreatic tumor applications.
Market Landscape
The opening of this research center follows the framework established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's pre-market approval process for histotripsy, which currently governs clinical implementation. This expansion positions the institution to lead the transition of the technology from a singular liver cancer treatment into a multi-organ therapeutic platform.
Patients may soon have access to new non-invasive treatment options for kidney and pancreatic tumors as these applications move through the approval process. The university's planned distribution system aims to make these specialized tools available to clinical researchers and providers on a wider scale.
The takeaway
The maturation of histotripsy technology reflects a broader shift toward non-invasive surgical alternatives in modern medicine. Advancements in ultrasound-based tissue destruction could significantly lower patient recovery times and clinical costs as the technology gains more specific regulatory clearances.
What happens next
Researchers project achieving 3-5 new FDA approvals for histotripsy treatments within the next five years, with plans to treat hundreds of thousands of patients.
Further reading
For more information on ongoing clinical research, visit the Healthcare section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WLNS 6 Lansing.
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