What is the Sonablate^® 500 and How Does it Treat Prostate Cancer?

The Sonablate^® 500 (SB500) is a minimally invasive medical device, developed by Focus Surgery Inc.(Indianapolis, IN) that uses High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) to treat prostate cancer and BPH.

The Sonablate® is the only HIFU device for prostate cancer that does not regularly require a TURP procedure prior to treatment in order to achieve effective results.

The Sonablate® uses a single transducer to obtain real-time images of the prostate during treatment and provide treatment in multiple treatment zones. The Sonablate® software allows the surgeon to customize each treatment zones in order to safely ablate the entire gland.

This image illustrates in the Sector (Transverse) and Linear (Longitudinal) view how the Sonablate® 500 HIFU beam is precisely focused and delivered into the prostate gland. (image courtesy of Takai Hospital Supply Co., Japan)

The technology behind the device originated at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis in the 1970s. It was further developed in leading research centers across the globe.

Steps to Sonablate^® HIFU

1. Image & Measure the Prostate: Sophisticated Sonablate software allows physician to image the prostate in both the transverse and sagittal modes in real time.

2. Plan Sonablate^® HIFU Therapy: Using unique, breakthrough scientific capabilities, the Sonablate® allows physician to create a custom treatment plan for each patient using 2D & 3D images in multiple treatment zones, as well as integrated Neurovascular Bundle Detection. Physicians have flexibility to use either 3 cm or 4 cm transducer to customize each therapy and accommodate prostates with AP diameter of up to 4.0 cm.

3. Refine & Customize Treatment Plan: After therapy is planned, it can be refined using 2D & 3D visualization of the prostate and the plan. This makes the procedure precise and completely customizable.

4. Start Sonablate^® HIFU. Monitor & Adjust During Therapy: With Sonablate® HIFU technology, physicians monitor therapy continuously to ensure patient safety. Doctors may be able to adjust rectal wall distance and energy levels to achieve optimal outcomes.

5. Final Review: After each treatment zone is complete, physicians have another opportunity to review the case and add additional treatment if needed. After all treatment zones have sufficiently been treated and reviewed, Sonablate® HIFU is complete.

More on HIFU - HIFU with Tissue Change Monitoring (TCM) >>

For more details about prostate cancer treatment with the Sonablate® 500 visit Focus Surgery online at www.focus-surgery.com.