Ultrasound energy, or sound waves, is transmitted through the rectal wall and focused at desired locations within the prostate identified by MRI and confirmed by ultrasound.
At the focal point of these sound waves, tissue temperature rapidly rises to almost 90 degrees Celsius (195 degrees Fahrenheit), destroying the targeted tissue while surrounding tissue remains unharmed. Sonablate features integrated imaging and ablation transducers that are controlled automatically allowing Sonablate to AIM, ABLATE, and ANALYZE the results of the ablation.
Sonafuse, the HIFU Fusion Platform, takes an open architecture approach to integrating Sonablate planning software with existing mpMRI fusion biopsy platforms in the market. Segmented and annotated DICOM radiology images are imported into Sonablate from your preferred fusion solution and fused with live ultrasound images to enable targeted HIFU planning
Planning Software using
MRI/US Fusion
TCM is a unique, quantitative software module that displays real-time changes occurring in prostate tissue ablated with HIFU. Rather than depicting changes in temperature, TCM assesses RF signal changes that may indicate tissue destruction.
A radio frequency (RF) signal is sent to a targeted ablation site prior to delivery of HIFU and then another signal is sent after delivery of HIFU to the same site.
TCM quantifies tissue changes based on a comparison of RF ultrasound pulse-echo signals at each ablation site. Easy-to-read on-screen color overlays and focal point markers are one of many indicators to guide HIFU delivery.
Sonalink is a remote viewing telecommunication application that is comes standard on every Sonablate system and is accessible by any facility that is in compliance with the terms of their purchase agreement.
Sonalink “links” the room and the device being used to deliver a case with remote support personnel. Two-way visual and auditory communication is provided between the physician and remote personnel, along with a Sonaplan screen mirroring app.
Sonalink allows the complete procedure, ranging from device setup to active computer-controlled HIFU delivery, to be remotely monitored by experienced support personnel. These specialists have the ability to interact with the physician and OR staff in real-time to answer questions and provide ongoing training and guidance in the use of the device.
TCM quantifies tissue changes based on a comparison of RF ultrasound pulse-echo signals at each ablation site. Easy-to-read on-screen color overlays and focal point markers are one of many indicators to guide HIFU delivery.
Total acoustic power, or TAP, is adjustable for each individual dose of HIFU, allowing power to be aligned with the varying specific characteristics over the entire volume of the gland.
RIM is used to assist the physician in monitoring energy deposition in the rectal wall. The RIM box measures the pixel brightness level of the image as seen in a defined rectangular region (RIM box) which is placed such that it encompasses the rectal wall in both the live and reference sagittal images
Software compares changes in the image in the RIM box between the treatment and reference images, displaying a numerical RIM value as the pixel brightness level within the yellow box changes. A rising RIM value suggests that the region within the box is accumulating potentially excess heat that could damage the rectal wall. Specified safety conditions cause the software to halt the treatment automatically.
Diagnostic accuracy of multi-parametric MRI and TRUS biopsy in prostate cancer (PROMIS): a paired validating confirmatory study
Focal Ablation Targeted to the Index Lesion in Multifocal Localised
Prostate Cancer: a Prospective Development Study
Phase I/II Trial of High Intensity Focused Ultrasound for the
Treatment of Previously Untreated Localized Prostate Cancer
High-intensity focused ultrasound for the treatment of prostate cancer: A prospective trial with long-term follow-up
Improved Outcomes with Advancements in High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Devices for the Treatment of
Localized Prostate Cancer
Twelve Years' Experience with High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) using Sonablate Devices for the treatment of Localized Prostrate Cancer
Focal High-intensity Focused Ultrasound Targeted Hemiablation for Unilateral Prostate Cancer: A Prospective Evaluation of
Oncologic and Functional Outcomes
Whole-Gland Salvage High-Intensity Focused
Ultrasound Therapy for Localized Prostate
Cancer Recurrence After External Beam
Radiation Therapy
The Effects of Focal Therapy for Prostate Cancer on Sexual
Function: A Combined Analysis of Three Prospective Trials
Focal therapy for localised unifocal and multifocal prostate
cancer: a prospective development study
Focal Salvage Therapy: for Localized Prostate Cancer
Recurrence After External Beam Radiotherapy