In 2015, Sonablate HIFU became the first high intensity focused ultrasound device to be FDA cleared in the US for prostate tissue ablation. It is a personalized, targeted treatment for prostate disease without painful cutting, radiation, or hormones.
Prostate tissue ablation treatment
Utilizing high-intensity focused ultrasound, or HIFU, the Sonablate HIFU procedure targets and destroys diseased prostate tissue while leaving the surrounding, healthy tissue unharmed. This treatment option is only for patients who have localized prostate cancer that has not spread to other areas of the body.
How does HIFU work?
Have you ever used a magnifying glass to burn a small hole in a leaf? The same principle is at work with HIFU. Instead of sunlight as the energy source, HIFU utilizes sound. And instead of a magnifying glass, HIFU utilizes a probe to direct and focus the energy to the exact location of the diseased prostate tissue.
Why choose Sonablate® HIFU?
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It is non-invasive (no cutting involved) and a radiation-free procedure.
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Targets only the affected prostate tissue without disruption of unaffected prostate tissue or the surrounding structures.
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It is a same-day, outpatient procedure.
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Patients enjoy a shorter recovery time –getting back to normal activity within days.
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If found necessary, HIFU can be repeated, or therapy can be escalated to surgery or radiation.
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Lower chance of side effects when compared to traditional surgery and radiotherapy.
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Around 80% of patients should be able to maintain their current level of erectile function.
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Risk of urinary incontinence is negligible.
The Sonablate® HIFU procedure
Based on MRI, biopsy results, and your individual needs, your physician will create a treatment plan for tissue that needs to be ablated (destroyed). Then with pinpoint accuracy, Sonablate HIFU will ablate only the targeted tissue, leaving the surrounding healthy tissue unharmed. Your physician will monitor the procedure in real-time, adjusting and customizing the procedure to address your individual condition.
Typically, the procedure takes one and a half to three hours, depending on the amount of targeted tissue being ablated during the procedure. Patients will be under general anesthesia when being treated with Sonablate HIFU. Patients will then typically have a urinary catheter placed for 3-5 days after the procedure.
Most patients experience urinary urgency immediately post treatment because of the urinary catheter in place. This feeling typically lessens in the hours after the procedure and medication can be given to make this more comfortable if needed as well. Other side effects such as pain and discomfort and urinary tract infection (UTI) are rare.
Our location
Distance from Change location
MedStar Washington Hospital Center
106 Irving St. NW
Washington, DC 20010