Focused ultrasound is a noninvasive therapeutic technology that uses ultrasound energy focused as a point to treat tissues deep in the body. It is an alternative or adjunct to surgery, radiation therapy, and drug delivery to treat a variety of medical disorders including tumors, metastatic cancer, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, back pain, and hypertension. The technology combines focused ultrasound with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound imaging to identify and target tissues for treatment, guide treatment in real time, and immediately confirm effectiveness. While still in its early stages, focused ultrasound has the potential for widespread use in treating many medical conditions by 2020 if development continues through organizations like the Focused Ultrasound Foundation.