The HIFU procedure is minimally invasive and utilizes a transrectal probe to guarantee total focus of all ultrasound waves onto the prostate and the targeted location. The Sonablate 500 elevates temperature, causing the breakdown of tissue along the prostate. After two to four hours, the procedure is done and the patient can leave the hospital. The advantages associated with the Sonablate 500 for HIFU are numerous and it is therefore considered the most widely used HIFU treatments available.
The Sonablate 500 procedure is an out-patient one, meaning that there is no required hospital stay. There is no need for surgery and it only uses invasive procedures that do not cause harm to the individual. Due to the probe and transducer focal length design, the Sonablate 500 provides a full therapy zone of up to 120 degrees. With this enlarged zone, physicians have the capability necessary to gain quick access to the entire prostate gland without repositioning the probe.
The Sonablate 500 provides physicians with amazing imaging of the prostate gland and surrounding area. Through the utilization of real time images and quick reference points, the physician obtains immediate feedback enabling them with maximum precision during the procedure. By using superior imaging, the physician is able to customize a plan of attack specifically for that patient. The Sonablate 500 also offers three-dimensional imaging. This further allows the physician to plan an accurate treatment route to all the targeted areas along the prostate gland.
When it comes to prostate cancer procedures, one of the major concerns on the minds of men is impotency. They have heard of procedures being done where the man ends up suffering from erectile dysfunction. This can make any man worry about going under a procedure. However, they do not need to worry with the Sonablate 500. Due to the integrated hardware and software, the Sonablate 500 is able to find all the neurovascular bundles and blood flow in the area. Due to the precision of this device, the physician can avoid the neurovascular bundles and prevent nerve damage that may cause impotency.
Before the Sonablate 500, a number of machines were not able to provide physicians with the ability to alter the power level. All patients were treated using the same power level despite their personal situation. The manufacturers of Sonablate 500 provide physicians with the ability to adjust the level of power for customization and safety purposes. As well, previous machines before the Sonablate 500, there was minimal control when it came to positioning and placing the probe because it was stationary. However, the Sonablate 500 enables physicians to adjust the probe for comfort and optimal outcome.
There is no doubt that the Sonablate 500 used for HIFU for men needing prostate cancer treatment is the best, most accurate treatment method available today. The lesions remain small and the whole prostate area can be treated. Numerous hospitals in Manassas are using them today for prostate cancer patients.
Dr. Anshu Guleria was hand selected by the Board of Directors of International HIFU to be one of a select number of doctors approved to perform HIFU with the Sonablate 500.
Dr. Guleria is in private practice in Manassas, and Gainesville, VA. He is Past-Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Prince William Hospital. He was also the Chief of the Section of Urology and serves on the Cancer Committee at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital.
For more information go to http://www.virginiaprostatecancer.com/.
