How is a HIFU treatment performed?

HIFU treatment is performed under general or spinal anesthesia. A probe is introduced in the rectum and the imaging transducer starts the gland scanning to plan the treatment. The treatment transducer then emits high intensity focused ultrasound in the prostate gland. At the point where the ultrasound waves are focused, the absorption of the ultrasound beam creates a sudden temperature increase (around 185°F) which destroys the tissue in the targeted zone.