Focal One® - HIFU Technology

Precision Matters

Focal One combines the latest imaging and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) technology to precisely contour and ablate the targeted lesion while avoiding critical structures.

FOCUSED ULTRASOUND
(HIFU)

The Focal One® HIFU Robotic System uses high-performance imaging, and HIFU technology allows the Urologist to precisely target the prostate with submillimetric accuracy while sparing healthy surrounding tissue and preserving patients’ quality of life.   

What is High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)?

HIFU technology ablates prostate tissue by focusing high-intensity ultrasound waves on the affected area, causing localized heating that destroys the cells in the gland without damaging the healthy surrounding tissue. Focused ultrasound works in the same way as rays of sunlight that pass through a magnifying glass and are concentrated at a single point, equally causing a significant temperature rise around the focal point.

THE PRINCIPLE OF HIFU

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) uses an ultrasound probe to deliver high-intensity sound waves at a precise point. The magnitude of ultrasound energy delivered rapidly raises the temperature at the focal point, causing coagulation necrosis without damaging healthy tissue and structures
outside the targeted area.
Diagram illustrating the operation of a spherical transducer used in High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) to create a focal point for tissue ablation, with close-up images showing the effects on targeted tissue at temperatures of 85-95°C.

Focal One HIFU Procedure Steps - How a Treatment works

Imaging

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) targeting prostate tissue during a focal ablation procedure, illustrated by beams directed at the prostate gland

The whole prostate is scanned by the transrectal ultrasound imaging probe and displayed on the Focal One screen as a three-dimensional reconstruction of the area to be ablated.

Planning

Close-up of a medical monitor displaying ultrasound images and data during a High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) procedure for prostate tissue ablation.

On the screen, the urologist plans each step of the procedure, precisely targeting the area to be ablated.

Energy Delivery

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) beams targeting and treating specific areas of the prostate gland during a focal ablation procedure, illustrated by red ablation lines on the prostate tissue.

Finally, the system automatically determines the optimal number of lesions based on the planning and produces High Intensity Focused Ultrasound waves to destroy the targeted cells.

Clinical Follow-up

What happens after the procedure?

At the end of the procedure, a temporary urinary catheter will be placed in order to limit the risk of urinary retention due to the temporary swelling. This catheter can be removed at the first follow-up visit. Typical follow-up will include PSA testing at three months, six months, and one year, to evaluate the result. This follow-up can be performed by the treating urologist, or, if you traveled from a remote location, your local urologist.

THE PRECISION OF HIFU

A large body of clinical evidence shows promising cancer control. Watch Dr. Lance Willsey discuss the benefits of targeted, precise Prostate ablation with HIFU which can offer the best outcomes for both Physician and Patient. HIFU allows the Physician to preserve a Patient’s quality of life. Patients maintain their continence and preservation of sexual function following HIFU treatment.

Advantages of HIFU Treatments    

Focal One HIFU is the ideal treatment tool to ablate just the diseased part of the prostate for the optimal preservation of quality of life. This latest HIFU medical device marketed is dedicated to focal therapy. The real-time imaging allows for precise local ablation in one session under general anesthesia, repeatable if necessary, with low risk of side effects.
  • Non-invasive Procedure with no blade, no scar, no radiation or incision
  • Low Risk of Side Effects such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction
  • Quality of Life Preservation with minimal time away from work and leisure activities

IN THE NEWS

Team Focal One - Ready for Rolex 24 in LMP2 Debut

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (22 January 2024) – Sean Creech Motorsport (SCM) came out of the box strong at last weekend’s Roar Before the Rolex 24, showing consistent improvement with the reintroduced Ligier JS P217 as the team prepares for its IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship LMP2 class debut at the Rolex 24 at Daytona (NBC/USA/Peacock, 1:40 p.m. Saturday-Sunday).