HIFU & The Sonablate 500

What Is HIFU with the Sonablate 500?

The Sonablate 500 provides prostate cancer patients with a minimally invasive treatment option using the power of ultrasound waves. The Sonablate treats prostate cancer and BPH using HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) technology.

The Sonablate is the only HIFU delivery device that does not regularly require a TURP procedure prior to prostate cancer treatment. The device uses one transducer to simultaneously capture real-time images of the gland throughout treatment and deliver the treatment to multiple treatment zones. The software included with the device allows the physician to customize the treatment not only to the individual needs of each patient, but also to the individual response of each treatment zone. This allows for safe ablation of the entire prostate.

The technology in the Sonablate 500 originated in the 1970s at the University School of Medicine in Indianapolis. Since that time, research centers across the globe have further developed the technology. Focus Surgeries, Inc., in Indianapolis fine-tuned the technology to produce the Sonablate 500.

Treatment Steps

1. Image and Measure the Prostate: The Sonablate’s software allows the surgeon to capture real-time transverse and sagittal images of the prostate gland.

2. Plan the Therapy: For Sonablate HIFU, physicians have access to 2D and 3D images of the treatment zones. The device utilizes integrated Neurovascular Bundle Detection software. Surgeons can also use 3 cm or 4 cm transducers for treatment. This allows the surgeon to accommodate prostates up to 4.0 cm in diameter. All of this technology allows the surgeon to create a customized treatment plan for each individual patient.

3. Customize and Refine Treatment: Once the treatment is planned, physicians then use the 2D and 3D images of the prostate and treatment plan to refine and customize the treatment further, making it quite precise.

4. Start Sonablate HIFU and Monitor During Therapy: HIFU with the Sonablate allows physicians to monitor the entire treatment, making changes when necessary to protect patient safety and achieve the best possible outcomes.

5. Final Review: Once all treatment zones have been treated, the surgeon reviews the scans and adds any further treatment needed. Sonablate HIFU is complete when all treatment zones have been successfully ablated.