HIFU Focal One aims to treat prostate cancer precisely, preserving as much healthy tissue as possible and minimizing the impact on the patient's quality of life. This means that many of the complications that can arise with more invasive treatments, such as urinary incontinence or erectile dysfunction, are significantly less frequent.

This procedure is performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis , meaning that the patient can enter and leave the hospital on the same day as the procedure.

What is the HIFU Focal One procedure like?

Patient positioning:

Once anesthetized, the patient is placed lying on their side so that the doctor can access the prostate through the rectum.

Intervention:

1. The doctor inserts a transducer. (a small, cylindrical device) in the patient's rectum, through which high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) waves are emitted, targeting only the previously identified cancerous areas.
2. Image guideThe HIFU Focal One combines real-time magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound so that the doctor can clearly visualize the affected areas and precisely direct the treatment only to the cancer cells, avoiding damage to healthy tissue.
3. Cancer AblationUltrasound waves generate heat at the specific points where cancer cells are located to destroy them without incisions or radiation. The doctor controls the entire process using a robotic system, ensuring that the treatment is as precise and effective as possible. Once finished, the transducer is removed and the patient is taken to a recovery room.
4. Procedure DurationThe treatment lasts between 1 and 3 hours depending on the size and location of the affected area.

Recovery:

Because HIFU Focal One is an outpatient procedure, patients can return home the same day. Recovery is quick, and most people resume their normal activities within a few days.