High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)

1. Imaging of the Prostate – The whole prostate is scanned by the transrectal ultrasound imaging probe and displayed on the Focal One screen as a three-dimensional reconstruction of the area to be ablated.

2. Treatment Planning – On the screen, the urologist plans each step of the procedure, precisely targeting the area to be ablated.

3. HIFU Energy Delivery – Finally, the system automatically determines the optimal number of lesions based on the planning and produces High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound waves to destroy the targeted cells.

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 your treating urologist, or if you traveled from a remote location, your local urologist.

Is HIFU Right For You?

Call or submit your information below to find out more about HIFU and if it might be right for you or someone you know.

In Need of a General Urologist?

Hoag Urology physicians are board-certified urologists who use the latest technologies and innovative techniques to treat urologic conditions. For non-cancerous urological issues, Hoag Urology is the perfect place to start.