About HIFU

Since many men are diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer, often, they must choose between a risky surgical intervention, no treatment at all, or simply monitoring the disease. Among the many treatment options available HIFU falls somewhere in the middle.

HIFU, which stands for high intensity focused ultrasound, offers a less invasive, lower risk method of eliminating the prostate in the body with fewer complications.

Physicians can target and treat small amounts of tissue, minimizing damage to nerves around the prostate responsible for preserving potency.


What is HIFU?

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HIFU, which stand for high intensity focused ultrasound, is the focusing of sound waves to create heat at a specific point; this is called the focal point.
HIFU is used to heat and destroy targeted tissue during an outpatient procedure; individually customized for each patient’s prostate cancer treatment.

The most advanced and state-of-the-art medical device, that utilizes HIFU to ablate prostate tissue, is the Sonablate; manufactured by SonaCare Medical.

More about Sonablate


How does it work?
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Think about how a magnifying glass focuses light rays from the sun to a particular point and can burn a hole in a leaf.

HIFU works the same way; there is a transducer, which focuses sound waves to a particular point, creates heat and destroys tissue at that point; nothing outside of the focal point is damaged.

 


The Procedure – What to Expect

If you decide to choose Sonablate HIFU you will receive pre-operative instructions from a physician and nurse.

The HIFU procedure typically lasts between 1-2 hours, depending on the size of the prostate, and is either done under general anesthesia or an epidural and IV sedation. During the procedure a suprapubic catheter or foley catheter will be put into place to help with urination, and will typically stay in place for 5-10 days.

After the HIFU treatment, patients will be in recovery for about 30-60 minutes. Once released from the treatment center, patients return home or to a hotel to recover more comfortably.

Though, it is recommended that patients take things easy, most patients feel well enough to go out for dinner and maybe even a walk, the night after of the procedure.

For more information read our frequently asked questions or contact a HIFU Nurse Educator.

Additional Benefits

  • Every HIFU prostate cancer treatment is personalized to meet the unique medical needs of the patient
  • Ultrasound wave technology is safe, radiation-free, and FDA-approved for medical and commercial application
  • Integrates existing mpMRI fusion biopsy platforms with innovative imaging algorithms
  • Focused ultrasound waves reach maximum temperatures of 90 C (194 F)
  • Ablative thermal technology destroys cancer cells in just a few seconds
  • Adjustable Total Acoustic Power better accommodates patient treatment requirements
  • Intraprocedural Reflectivity Index Monitoring further prevents tissue damage by measuring levels and locations of energy deposition in rectal wall

HIFU: Then and Now

  • HIFU research began in the 1950s in Indianapolis, IN.
  • Over the years HIFU has evolved to the applications we have today which include treating various types of cancer and diseases, including prostate cancer.
  • Over 50,000 prostate patients have been treated with Sonablate HIFU.
  • There are more than 50 countries where HIFU has regulatory authorization.
  • In October 2015, Sonablate became the first device to receive regulatory authorization from the FDA for ablation of prostate tissue

Download our Patient Brochure for more information:

Patient Guide to Prostate Cancer and Non-Invasive HIFU Treatment

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