The Sonablate 500 is an innovated HIFU (high intensity focused ultrasound) treatment device designed to increase accuracy and effectiveness of HIFU treatment. It currently is used to treat cancer and BPH using HIFU technology, which harnesses ultrasound waves to destroy prostatic tissue.
While there are other HIFU devices on the market, the Sonablate 500 is the only one that does not regularly require the TURP procedure prior to treatment. The Sonablate has just one transducer that both captures images of the prostate in real time and delivers the treatment over multiple treatment zones. The Sonablate also has software that allows the surgeon to customize treatment for each individual patient’s unique needs, as well as the way the tissue responds to treatment in each treatment zone. This allows doctors to minimize damage to surrounding tissue while still maintaining highly effective results.
The technology that drives the Sonablate had its start at the University School of Medicine in Indianapolis in the 1970s. Since this early date, research centers around the globe have continued to develop the technology. It has been fined tuned through Focus Surgeries, Inc., out of Indianapolis, resulting in the development of the Sonablate 500.
Steps for HIFU with the Sonablate
Step 1 – Imaging and measuring of the prostate. Through the Sonablate 500, physicians can capture real time transverse and sagittal images of the prostate gland prior to beginning treatment.
Step 2 – Planning therapy. When using the Sonablate to deliver HIFU treatment, doctors can use both 2D and 3D images of the treatment zones. Also, the Sonablate uses integrated Neurovascular Bundle Detection software, allowing surgeons to avoid those bundles much more efficiently. Both 3 cm and 4 cm transducers are available, allowing the surgeon to tailor treatment better to a patient’s physiology, and accommodate prostates up to 4.0 cm in diameter. The goal of this treatment is to allow customized treatment for each patient.
Step 3 – Customizing and refining treatment. After planning treatment, surgeons use the images to refine the treatment and customize it even more, making it even more precise for each patient.
Step 4 – Start and monitor treatment – Once all of the plans are finished, the physician will start HIFU treatment with the Sonablate 500. Throughout treatment, images allow the physician to monitor tissue change and adjust treatment accordingly to improve results and decrease danger to the patient.
Ste 5 – Reviewing results. Once all six treatment zones have been treated, the physician will review the final scans and add any necessary treatment. Once all areas have been ablated, HIFU with the Sonablate 500 is complete.