Precision Treatment. Faster Recovery. Quality of Life Focused.

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive treatment that uses focused ultrasound energy to destroy targeted prostate tissue while minimizing damage to surrounding structures. Systems like Focal One combine MRI guidance, ultrasound imaging, and robotic precision to treat only the cancerous area of the prostate.

---

How HIFU Works

Simple Explanation

Think of HIFU like using a magnifying glass to focus sunlight onto one small point. The concentrated energy creates heat only at the targeted location, destroying abnormal tissue while sparing nearby healthy tissue.

Treatment Process

1. MRI and biopsy information identify the tumor location
2. Real-time ultrasound maps the prostate during treatment
3. Focused ultrasound energy heats targeted tissue to approximately 85–95°C
4. Cancer cells are destroyed while surrounding structures are preserved

---

Simple HIFU Diagram

---

Procedure Day Timeline

Before Procedure

• Pre-operative MRI and biopsy review
• Bloodwork and anesthesia evaluation
• Antibiotics started if needed
• Fasting after midnight

Day of Procedure

Time	What Happens
Arrival	Check-in and preparation
Anesthesia	General or spinal anesthesia
Imaging & Planning	MRI/ultrasound fusion mapping
HIFU Treatment	Targeted ultrasound ablation
Recovery	Observation and discharge

After Procedure

• Most patients go home the same day
• Temporary urinary catheter placed for several days
• Mild urinary symptoms are common initially
• Return to light activities within a few days

---

Common Side Effects

And How We Reduce Risk

Possible Side Effect	How We Reduce Risk
Urinary urgency/frequency	Precise focal targeting and temporary catheter use
Burning with urination	Hydration, medications, short-term anti-inflammatories
Temporary urinary retention	Catheter placement during healing
Erectile dysfunction	Nerve-sparing treatment planning
Blood in urine/semen	Usually temporary and monitored closely
Infection	Preventive antibiotics and sterile technique
Rectal injury (rare)	Real-time imaging and rectal cooling systems

Because HIFU treats only the diseased portion of the prostate, rates of incontinence and sexual side effects are generally lower compared with whole-gland surgery or radiation.

---

Follow-Up Protocol

Careful monitoring after HIFU is essential because part of the prostate remains intact.

Typical Follow-Up Schedule

Time After HIFU	Monitoring
3 Months	PSA blood test
6 Months	PSA blood test + symptom review
6–12 Months	Multiparametric MRI
12 Months	Follow-up biopsy (targeted/systematic)
Long-Term	PSA every 3–6 months

MRI and biopsy help confirm successful treatment and monitor untreated prostate tissue.

---

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn whether focal HIFU therapy may be appropriate for your prostate cancer diagnosis.