HIFU technology ablates prostate tissue by focusing high-intensity ultrasound waves on the affected area, causing pinpoint-accurate heating that destroys the cancerous cells in the prostate without damaging the healthy surrounding tissue. Focused Ultrasound works to concentrate sound waves into a single intense point that quickly rises in temperature, just like a magnifying glass focusing the rays of the sun.

HIFU is the latest treatment option using focal therapy to fight prostate cancer. It is highly targeted and uses real-time imaging that allows for precise, local ablation in one session, with a low risk of side effects. The precise targeting enables Dr. Shaw to effectively treat cancer by destroying only the diseased part of the prostate without damaging healthy tissue. This precision enables a highly effective cancer treatment that preserves your overall quality of life.

• Non-invasive Procedure with no scar, no radiation, and no incision.
• Low Risk of Side Effects such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction.
• Quality of Life Preservation with minimal time away from work and leisure activities.

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound is performed under general anesthesia. Patients can expect a typical HIFU procedure to take between two and four hours.

• Imaging of the Prostate: The whole prostate is scanned by the transrectal ultrasound imaging probe and displayed on the Focal One screen as a three-dimensional reconstruction of the area to be ablated.
• Prostate Treatment Planning: On the screen, the urologist plans each step of the procedure, precisely targeting the area to be ablated.
• HIFU Energy Delivery: Finally, the system automatically determines the optimal number of lesions based on the planning and produces High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound waves to destroy the targeted cells.

At the end of the procedure, a temporary urinary catheter will be placed in order to limit the risk of urinary retention due to the temporary swelling. You will be discharged and can return home rapidly after the end of the procedure, though you will need someone to drive you home. Some patients experience mild discomfort, but most report minimal pain that can be managed with ibuprofen or Tylenol (acetaminophen). The catheter will be removed at the first follow-up visit just a few days later.

Typical follow-up will include PSA testing at three months, six months, and one year, as well as an MRI image and potentially follow-up biopsies at one year to evaluate the result. This follow-up can be performed by the treating urologist, or if you traveled from a remote location, your local urologist.

Yes. In a recent study, Focal One Robotic HIFU proved to have oncological control comparable to radical prostatectomy while offering a significantly lower negative impact on functional outcomes.
In this large, prospective study on more than 3,000 patients treated across 46 centers, Focal One Robotic HIFU produced better results for men’s urinary continence and erectile function compared to patients who received surgery.

To learn more, visit hifistudy.com.