High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) Demonstration
Dr. Richard Chopp is one of only a handful of physicians in the United States trained to perform the High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) treatment for prostate cancer.
The Sonoblade 500 system is a computer controlled device designed for trans-rectal delivery of high intensity focused ultrasound energy to the prostate, for treatment of prostate disease. Urologists have been using the Sonoblade 500 system to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as BPH, localized prostate cancer, and recurrent prostate cancer.
The device makes use of integrated, biplanar ultrasound imaging for real time treatment monitoring, treatment planning and pre and post treatment imaging of the prostate. Similar to what happens when sunlight is focused through a magnifying lens, precise focusing of ultrasound energy during HIFU treatment elevates the temperature of the tissue in the focal zone very rapidly, while intervening tissue between the transducer and the focal zone is kept at a safe temperature. The result is an accurate and repeatable lesion at the target sites, that are monitored in real time by the treating physician. All the treatment zones are preplanned and checked by the physician prior to starting the HIFU treatment.
The imaging capabilities of the technology allow for identification of vital structures, such as the prostate capsule, seminal vesicles, rectal wall and physiological location of the vascular bundles. The addition of an integrated doppler feature into the transrectal treatment probe adds an additional safeguard during treatment. The integrated doppler feature will assist the physician in the identification of vital structures that need to be preserved in order to avoid problems with urinary continence and sexual functions.