Since the Sonablate 500 for HIFU, or high intensity focused ultrasound, hit the medical market, many more physicians are using this minimally invasive procedure. The Sonablate 500 uses what is known as a transrectal probe that enables the physician to focus all the ultrasound waves onto a targeted area of the prostate. The procedure only takes up to four hours and is considered an out-patient procedure. Physicians have found a number of advantages with this new technology, making the Sonablate 500 the most trusted HIFU treatment currently available.
If possible, individuals are always looking for ways to not stay in the hospital overnight after a procedure. As previously mentioned, the Sonablate 500 is an out-patient procedure. This is because there is no surgery and the procedure is does not leave the patient in much pain. A wider therapy zone is offered because of the design of the transducer focal length and probe. Because the zone is 120 degrees, physicians are capable of getting fast access to the targeted area on the prostate without ever having to reposition the probe.
Physicians like the Sonablate 500 for HIFU because it offers them great imaging of the whole prostate gland and areas surrounding it. Physicians are provided with immediate feedback through the use of images made in real time, allowing them to have the ultimate precision necessary throughout the duration of the procedure. Through superior imaging, a customized plan can be developed for the patient. Three dimensional imaging is also provided to further enable a physician to plan a precise treatment plan to attack all targeted areas.
The design of the Sonablate 500 has been updated to assist physicians and make the procedure more comfortable for the patient. Prior to the development of the Sonablate 500, machines for HIFU did not have power level adjustment capabilities. This meant that no matter the patient's prostate cancer situation, every patient was treated with the same level of power. As well, prior to the Sonablate 500, physicians had minimal control over the probe placement and positioning because it was a stationary device. The Sonablate 500 took these items in mind and created power adjustment capabilities to increase safety and customize each patient's plan. Not only that, but the Sonablate 500 allows physicians to move the probe and readjust it for maximum comfort and most advantageous outcome.
Quite possible the biggest risk that patients are concerned about when it comes to treating prostate cancer with HIFU is the possibility of it causing erectile dysfunction. They have heard a number of stories where men undergo a procedure to eliminate the affected areas of the prostate but become impotent after. The manufactures of the Sonablate 500 were able to create integrated software and hardware that allows it to locate blood flow as well as neurovascular bundles through precision techniques. Because of the amazing imaging capabilities plus the ability to adjust the power level and have full control over the probe itself, the physician is able to avoid all neurovascular bundles that may cause nerve damage leading to impotence.
Central Maryland Urology Associates is a state-of-the-art urology practice, comprised of 8 urologists located in Columbia, Maryland, half-way between Washington, DC and Baltimore, Maryland. CMUA is the only urology practice exclusively serving Howard County for over 30 years.The CMUA mission is to provide the highest quality of urologic care for our entire community through innovation, service excellence, compassion, and patient safety.
The CMUA HIFU Center is headed by Dr. Kevin Blumenthal, one of only a select few urologists trained in HIFU in the entire Mid-Atlantic region. http://www.marylandprostatecancer.com/
