Sonablate® 500 is a minimally invasive medical device developed by Focus Surgery, Inc. (Indianapolis, IN), that uses HIFU to treat prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The Sonablate® 500 may be an appropriate treatment for the thousands of men who will be diagnosed with the disease.

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) targets prostate cancer cells with radiation-free sound waves. HIFU is performed under spinal anesthesia and takes 2-3 hours to complete. Using a rectal probe, the ultrasound beam is pointed at the cancerous prostate to “paint” the prostate gland with HIFU energy while heating and destroying the diseased tissue. The destroyed tissue is later expelled from the body naturally.

Like most prostate cancer therapies, there is an “ideal” candidate for HIFU. HIFU is most effective for patients with early stage prostate cancer where the cancer is localized to the prostate. It is recommended that you discuss your individual medical records and history with a HIFU certified physician in order to confirm whether or not you are a candidate for HIFU.

Yes, HIFU with the Sonablate® 500 can be repeated if necessary. In most cases, Sonablate® HIFU is a one-time procedure, however, unlike radiation it will not prevent patients from having other treatments (radiation, cryotherapy etc) if needed.

• HIFU destroys cancerous tissue.
• During HIFU, patient is not exposed to any radiation.
• No hospital stay is required in most cases.
• HIFU is generally performed under local anesthesia