Image of the High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)

HIFU technology destroys prostate tissue by directing high-intensity focused ultrasound at the affected area, generating intense localised heat that destroys the gland’s cells without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue.

Focused ultrasound works in the same way as the sun’s rays, which, when passed through a magnifying glass, are concentrated at a specific point, thereby causing a significant rise in temperature around the focal point.

Benefits of HIFU treatments
The principle of HIFU
Stages of the Focal One HIFU procedure – How the treatment works
What happens after an HIFU procedure?
Clinical data
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Benefits of HIFU treatments

The robotic HIFU system is the ideal tool for destroying only the diseased part of the prostate, thereby ensuring optimal preservation of quality of life. It is the latest therapeutic option using focal therapy to treat prostate cancer. Real-time imaging enables precise local ablation in a single session under general anaesthesia, which can be repeated if necessary, with a low risk of side effects.

  • Non-invasive procedure: no scarring, no radiation and no incisions
  • Low risk of side effects such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction
  • Preservation of quality of life with minimal disruption to work and leisure activities

How HIFU works

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment uses an ultrasound imaging probe to deliver high-intensity ultrasound to a specific point. The magnitude of the ultrasound energy delivered rapidly raises the temperature at the focal point, causing coagulative necrosis without damaging healthy tissues and structures outside the targeted area.

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Clinique de Genolier

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) Genolier

Route du Muids 3
1272 Genolier

info@genolier.net

+41 22 366 90 00

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Stages of the Focal One HIFU procedure – Energy delivery

Prostate Imaging

The entire prostate is scanned using the transrectal ultrasound probe and displayed on the Focal One screen as a three-dimensional reconstruction of the treatment area.

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Planning prostate treatment

On the screen, the urologist plans each stage of the procedure, precisely targeting the area to be treated.

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Energy Delivery

The system automatically determines the optimal number of lesions based on the treatment plan and delivers high-intensity focused ultrasound waves to destroy the targeted cells.

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What happens after an HIFU procedure?

At the end of the procedure, a temporary urinary catheter is inserted to minimise the risk of urinary retention caused by temporary swelling. You will be able to go home shortly after the procedure is finished. The catheter will be removed during your first follow-up appointment, a few days later. Typical follow-up includes PSA tests at three months, six months and one year, as well as an MRI scan and, potentially, follow-up biopsies at one year to assess the outcome. This follow-up may be carried out by the treating urologist or, alternatively, by your local urologist.

Clinical data

In a recent study, the Focal One robotic HIFU system demonstrated comparable tumour control whilst having a significantly lesser impact on urinary and sexual function compared with radical prostatectomy. In this large prospective study involving over 3,000 patients treated across 46 centres, the Focal One robotic HIFU system delivered better outcomes in terms of urinary continence and erectile function compared to surgery. To find out more, visit the HIFU Study website.

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