What is Ablatherm® HIFU?

Ablatherm® HIFU is a procedure where the temperature inside the prostate is raised to 85° Celsius using a focused ultrasound beam.

After spinal anesthesia with intravenous sedation the physician places a probe into the rectum. This probe emits a beam of high intensity focused ultrasound. At the point where the ultrasound is focused (focal point) the sudden and intense absorption of the ultrasound beam quickly raises the temperature which destroys targeted tissue.

The area destroyed by each beam is very small and precise. By repeating the process and moving the focal point it is possible to destroy the prostate tissue. The treatment takes from 2 to 2 ½ hours depending upon the size of the prostate and is performed on an outpatient basis. At the Cleveland Clinic Canada, the procedure is performed by a top urologist who is assisted by specially trained staff. They will coordinate your treatment plan and follow up with your recovery. This non-surgical procedure has fewer side effects and a quicker recovery time.

In 1989, three prestigious European research groups united in their efforts and initiated a project to develop an efficient and non-surgical treatment for localized prostate cancer.

After ten years of development Ablatherm® HIFU was approved for treatment in Europe. In 2003, Health Canada approved HIFU as a safe and effective method of treating prostate cancer. Tens of thousands of patients have been treated throughout Europe, Russia, Canada, Australia and other Asian countries. No other clinic in North America has as much experience as Maple Leaf HIFU in the Cleveland Clinic Canada in Toronto, where the procedure is performed by top urologists.

Please view our page on research to see the successful results of Ablatherm® HIFU in studies worldwide as published in medical journals. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have on the procedure and whether you qualify as a candidate. Please call 877 370 4438 to speak with one of our HIFU trained registered nurses.