High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive, outpatient procedure that allows men with prostate issues to return to their normal lifestyle immediately and preserves a patient’s quality of life.
Texas Health Dallas is the first hospital in the Southwest region of the U.S. and the first in Texas to offer this innovative technology for the destruction of prostate tissue, both malignant (cancerous) and benign.
Benefits of HIFU
- Non-invasive
- Does not require chemo or surgery
- Studies show efficacy rates similar to surgery and radiation therapies
- Preserves qualify of life
- Lower risk of erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence
- Radiation-free
- No hospitalization: Outpatient Procedure
- Return to normal life in two to three days
What Is HIFU?
HIFU uses high frequency ultrasound energy to create heat at a specific point that destroys tissue in the prostate.
The ultrasound energy travels from a transducer which is located in a probe placed in the patient’s rectum.
When HIFU is delivered to a specific location, the tissue temperature at the focal point is raised to nearly 195 degrees Fahrenheit in a matter of seconds, resulting in tissue destruction, while the tissue outside the focal point remains unharmed.
How It Works
HIFU works in a similar way to how light waves from the sun can be used to burn a leaf using a magnifying glass. If you hold the magnifying glass between a leaf and the sun, the leaf will begin to burn at a specific point; however, nothing around that point is damaged.
HIFU works the same way, instead of light waves, sound waves are focused at a precise location and instead of a magnifying glass, HIFU uses a transducer to focus the ultrasound.
About the HIFU Procedure
- Performed as an outpatient procedure
- Overnight hospitalization is not required
- Patients are usually discharged from the hospital the same day they are treated
- The HIFU procedure typically lasts between 1-4 hours, depending on the size of the prostate, and is usually done under general anesthesia or an epidural and IV sedation
- During the procedure, a catheter will be placed, either through the abdomen or through the penis to help with urination, and will typically stay in place for 1-3 weeks
- After HIFU treatment, the patient will be observed post procedure for about 2-4 hours, then discharged to recover more comfortably at home or hotel
Who can have HIFU?
HIFU is most suitable for men if the cancer is contained inside the prostate, also known as localized. It’s typically not an option if the cancer has spread outside the prostate to other parts of the body.
HIFU can also be used to treat cancer that has come back after having other treatments such as radiation. This is called salvage HIFU.
Want to know if you qualify for HIFU?
You may qualify for HIFU if you have localized prostate cancer depending on the size of your prostate gland.
Please call 214-345-6789 to learn more about the HIFU procedure.