HIFU is non-invasive, radiation free and lets men return to their normal lifestyle within a few days

CHARLOTTE, N.C. November 1, 2017 – HIFU Prostate Services, LLC, the leading provider of HIFU technology to physician practices in the United States, is proud to announce a partnership with WakeMed Health & Hospitals to bring HIFU for prostate cancer to their WakeMed Cary Hospital facility treating men with localized prostate cancer.

“This partnership expands the accessibility of HIFU to more men looking for non-invasive prostate cancer treatment options,” said Thomas Gough, senior vice president and administrator of WakeMed Cary Hospital. “Patients and families are at the core of our organization’s mission as we improve their health and well-being while providing compassionate and outstanding care. With the addition of the HIFU treatment, we believe we are giving additional less-invasive options and the best possible care to men with prostate cancer.”

HIFU, or high intensity focused ultrasound, is a treatment that uses sound waves to heat and destroy tissue in the prostate. There is no cutting, no incision and no blood loss. It is a one-time procedure that allows men to return home the same day and get back to their normal lifestyle within a few days, with significantly lower rates of impotence and incontinence as seen with surgery or radiation treatment for prostate cancer.

Dr. Frank Tortora, with Associated Urologists of North Carolina, has worked with HIFU patients since 2008 and treated the first HIFU patient at WakeMed Cary Hospital on Wednesday, October 18.

“I have worked with HIFU for nearly 10 years and I have seen men do extremely well with the treatment. It is exciting to have the procedure available at WakeMed Cary Hospital as it will allow us to offer the procedure as an option to more men that qualify,” said Dr. Tortora.

“WakeMed is an exceptional health system with an outstanding reputation in North Carolina. We are confident that patients who receive HIFU at WakeMed Cary Hospital will receive quality care all the way through the process,” said John McLean, chief operating officer, HIFU Prostate Services.

HIFU was cleared by the FDA two years ago for the ablation of prostatic tissue. Earlier this year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a Medicare code that may help some patients cover part of the cost of the HIFU procedure. Learn more about this potential reimbursement here.

About HIFU Prostate Services, LLC
HIFU Prostate Services was founded to provide men access to a less invasive treatment option for prostate cancer that has the ability to eliminate cancer and preserve patient quality of life. Our mission is to deliver the highest quality of care, support, and technology to the patient and to the urology community for the treatment of localized prostate cancer using Sonablate® HIFU. The company is headquartered in Charlotte, NC and with locations in 12 cities throughout the US. Learn more at http://www.hifuprostateservices.com.

About WakeMed Health & Hospitals

Serving the community since 1961, WakeMed Health & Hospitals is a nationally recognized, private, not-for-profit health care organization founded and based in Raleigh, N.C. The largest health system in Wake County, WakeMed exists to improve the health and well-being of our community by providing outstanding, compassionate, patient- and family-centered care to all.

The 919-bed system comprises a network of facilities throughout the Triangle area, delivering health and wellness services that bring added value to the communities we serve. WakeMed is a leader in cardiac and vascular care, women’s and children’s services, emergency medicine and trauma care, physical rehabilitation, orthopaedics and neurosciences.

Specialty facilities include the WakeMed Heart Center, Children’s Hospital, Women’s Pavilion and Birthplace, Women’s Hospital at WakeMed North, WakeMed Rehabilitation Hospital, Adult and Children’s Emergency Departments and a Level 1 Trauma Center.

WakeMed’s team of more than 8,800 employees, 1,500 volunteers, 1,200 affiliated physicians, and the more than 280 physicians employed by WakeMed Physician Practices use the most advanced technologies along with the best minds and the biggest hearts to ensure the finest quality in health care and community health. For more information, visit www.wakemed.org.