SonaCare Medical officials are launching the FDA-Cleared Sonatherm HIFU Surgical Ablation System. A state-of-the-art laparoscopic HIFU surgical ablation system, this medical device from Sonatherm is the only HIFU system 510(k) cleared for the laparoscopic or intraoperative ablation of soft tissue. Sonatherm uses HIFU energy to ablate a wide variety of soft tissues from the ultrasound focal point back to the surface of the targeted tissue. The Sonatherm system consists of a transportable console, two high frequency robotic 11mm laparoscopic probes, each equipped with multiple robotic transducers that image (6.5MHz) and treat (4.0MHz), along with Sonachill for water degassing and circulation. A number of published studies evaluating the ability of Sonatherm to deliver laparoscopic HIFU in soft tissues of the kidney have shown strong clinical results.
"Sonatherm overcomes the difficulties that other ablative technologies have in delivering energy into the desired target by combining ultrasound imaging and therapeutic focused ultrasound into a single unit that can be introduced through a standard 12 mm surgery access port, with an easy-to-use intuitive single screen control interface," states Mark Carol, M.D., chief development officer for SonaCare Medical. "Unlike other forms of thermal ablation, Sonatherm does not require puncturing the target with a needle, which can cause bleeding. It is the only ablation system capable of using integrated ultrasound imaging for targeting and monitoring of the treatment. Sonatherm uses the same skill sets urologists have been practicing for decades and can be applied to a wide range of clinical conditions."
SonaCare Medical's vision is to develop HIFU surgical ablation systems for a wide range of urological indications, in addition to prostate cancer, that allow for tissue targeting techniques. Sonatherm, like Sonablate 500, is powered by the unique T3 Technology, which allows physicians to: target specific tissue using integrated ultrasound imaging and sophisticated planning tools, treat targeted tissue with pinpoint accuracy while sparing untargeted tissue; and track procedure results using real-time ultrasound imaging along with advanced tissue change monitoring software.
"Sonatherm generated significant interest at the recent European Association of Urology meeting from laparoscopic and robotic users alike and the response we've received from urologists has been extremely positive with great excitement about adding it to their practices," states Alex Gonzalez, vice president of international operations for SonaCare Medical.