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
- MRI and biopsy information identify the tumor location
- Real-time ultrasound maps the prostate during treatment
- Focused ultrasound energy heats targeted tissue to approximately 85–95°C
- 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
Book a Consultation
Learn whether focal HIFU therapy may be appropriate for your prostate cancer diagnosis.
During Your Consultation We Will Review:
- PSA history
- MRI findings
- Biopsy results
- Treatment goals
- Quality-of-life priorities
- All available treatment options
📞 Call today to schedule your consultation
📍 Personalized prostate cancer treatment evaluation
🩺 MRI-guided focal therapy expertise
For more information about the Focal One robotic HIFU platform, visit Focal One Official Website
