High Intensity Focused Ultrasound

What Is High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)?

HIFU technology ablates prostate tissue by focusing high-intensity ultrasound waves on the affected area, causing localized heating that destroys the cells in the gland without damaging the healthy surrounding tissue. Focused ultrasound works in the same way as rays of sunlight that pass through a magnifying glass and are concentrated at a single point, equally causing a significant temperature to rise around the focal point.

Advantages of HIFU Treatments

HIFU is the ideal treatment tool to ablate just the diseased part of the prostate for the optimal preservation of quality of life. HIFU is the latest treatment option using focal therapy to treat prostate cancer. The real-time imaging allows for precise local ablation in one session under general anesthesia, repeatable, if necessary, with a low risk of side effects.

Non-invasive Procedure with no blade, no scar, no radiation, or 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

The Principle of HIFU

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) uses an ultrasound probe to deliver high-intensity sound waves at a precise point. The magnitude of ultrasound energy delivered rapidly raises the temperature at the focal point, causing coagulation necrosis without damaging healthy tissue and structures outside the targeted area.

Focal One HIFU Procedure Steps - How A Treatment Works

Imaging of the Prostate

Prostate Treatment Planning

HIFU Energy Delivery

What Happens After Your HIFU Procedure?

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. 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.