How ultrasound energy is applied to prostate tissue is one of the key differences between TULSA-PRO and HIFU.

HIFU, stands for ‘ high-intensity focused ultrasound’. During HIFU prostate ablation, the ultrasound energy is focused through the rectal wall towards a specific location in the prostate. The heating pattern is referred to as a sonication. Many close or overlapping sonications are used to cover a specific region of the prostate. This technique can be used for small focused areas. The prostate tissue is therefore ablated from an ‘outside -in’ approach by delivering the focused thermal ultra-sound from the rectum inwards to the target region of prostate.

TULSA-PRO, stands for Transurethral Ultrasound Ablation. During the TULSA Procedure, thermal ultrasound is delivered directionally from a device within the urethra (there is no energy passed through the rectum) this device rotates and delivers heat in a sweeping pattern contacting a large volume of tissue in minimal time. The prostate tissue is therefore ablated from an ‘inside-out’ approach by delivering the directional, thermal ultra-sound from the urethra outwards to the edge of the target region of prostate.

The TULSA-PRO systems combination of directional, transurethral thermal ultra-sound with real-time MR thermometry, provides a closed loop feedback which ensures controlled gentle heating on a wide range of prostate sizes, predictable outcomes within 1mm of the physician defined region, all while actively protecting critical structures such as the urethra, rectum and neurovascular bundles. TULSA-PRO^® is CE marked, Health Canada approved, and 510(k) cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

If you are interested in learning more about this innovative technology, please email  info@profoundmedical.com

You can also read more about the TULSA-PRO system in our technology section here or visit our TULSA Procedure Patient website to learn more about the procedure and patient experiences