MRI-Guided Prostate Laser Ablation

  • Sperling Prostate Center offers MRI-Guided* Prostate Laser Ablation to patients with low-risk prostate disease. This revolutionary new breakthrough procedure is designed to achieve long-term control without the humiliating side effects associated with most prostate treatments.

     

    * MRI is magnetic resonance imaging using a magnetic field and radio waves to produce highly detailed images of the body.

  • MRI-guided Prostate Laser Ablation is an advanced, minimally invasive procedure designed to identify, target and destroy prostate tumors while sparing the healthy prostate tissues and dramatically reducing the risk of side effects like incontinence and impotence.

  • Sperling Prostate Center MRI Guided Prostate Laser Ablation couple-bed.jpg

    The procedure is designed to destroy only a patient's main prostate tumor (or index tumor) while sparing the remaining healthy tissue. The goal is to control the disease while avoiding collateral damage to sensitive structures that can affect a man's quality of life.

    Additionally, MRI-Guided Prostate Laser Ablation offers an important "safety net" for patients should additional tumors be discovered or new ones develop down the road. Not only can laser ablation be repeated, but it also preserves the ability to re-treat with other modalities, including surgery and radiation if necessary.

  • Procedure Highlights

    Sperling Prostate Center Procedure Highlights vidprev-prostate-laser-ablation.png
    • No Surgery, Radiation, Needles or Probes
    • No Catheter
    • Minimum Side Effects 
    • Low Risk of Incontinence 
    • Low Risk of Impotence
    • One Hour Procedure
    • Rapid Recovery
    • Repeatable

     

    > View Prostate Laser Ablation Procedure Video

  • Prostate Laser Ablation Protocol

    The Sperling Prostate Center has developed an advanced 4-step protocol that integrates MRI mapping, procedure planning, multi disciplinary treatment and comprehensive follow-up:

    1. Patient screening identifies appropriate candidates for prostate laser ablation based on a detailed map of suspicious prostate tumors derived from a multi-parametric MRI and targeted biopsy of suspicious prostate tissue.
    2. A customized procedure blueprint is developed based on an MRI mapping of the patient's prostate anatomy including, location, size, stage and grade of any confirmed prostate cancer.
    3. MRI-guided prostate laser ablation is performed using an interdisciplinary team approach that includes Dr. Sperling, a urologist and members of the Sperling care staff who are experienced in the field of targeted prostate laser ablation.
    4. Each patient receives detailed information and education about their procedure along with a well designed follow up and care management plan.

  • MRI-Guided Prostate Laser Ablation is an innovative new treatment option that requires no catheter. The procedure dramatically decreases the risk of erectile dysfunction and incontinence (loss of bladder control) by creating "safety zones" to protect the bladder and the rectal wall.

  • Appropriate Candidates

    Not everyone is a good candidate. That's why before moving ahead the Sperling Prostate Center uses a proprietary screening protocol to help identify and qualify the right patients for MRI-Guided Prostate Laser Ablation. This unique protocol involves three interrelated steps, including MRI prostate scanning, targeted biopsy and a detailed prostate mapping of any known prostate tumors.

    1. MRI Scanning: Step one uses multi parametric MRI prostate scans to provide precise details about the size and dimensions of the prostate gland. In addition, several sophisticated tests are performed during the MRI to help identify the location and size of tumors within the prostate gland.
    2. Targeted Biopsy: Step two combines the MRI scans with a live Ultrasound image to help your urologist pinpoint and biopsy potential tumors identified during the MRI. If necessary Dr. Sperling can perform an MRI-Guided biopsy of any suspicious tumors. However, a TRUS biopsy performed by a urologist is preferred.
    3. Prostate Mapping: The final step is to combine the MRI scans, ultrasound images and pathology findings (laboratory analysis of the tissue samples from the biopsy) to confirm the location, size and aggressiveness of any identified tumors. The end result is a detailed prostate map that provides the best possible tumor information along with a blueprint for targeted treatment. The prostate map also identifies the precise location of sensitive structures that the physician can decide to leave untreated if no malignancy is discovered in that region (e.g. the neurovascular bundles).

  • The Best Candidates for MRI-Guided Prostate Laser Ablation

    1. The first category includes men eligible for watchful waiting (also called active surveillance). The logic is simple: if your doctor is willing to forgo treatment then laser ablation represents an option above and beyond the recommended level of care.
    2. Category two includes men with confirmed unifocal disease (meaning a tumor is found only on one side of the prostate gland). Treating the index tumor (or multiple tumors) on just the disease-containing side of the gland while sparing the opposite side provides a rational middle ground approach for these men.
    3. The last category includes men with clinically insignificant multifocal disease (meaning patients with very small tumors that are found on both sides of the gland). While this group may present the highest degree of risk, that risk can be reduced though a comprehensive diagnosis and screening process combined with a diligent follow up program.

  • For the right patients MRI-Guided Prostate Laser Ablation can be an effective 'middle ground' between watchful waiting (or active surveillance) and total gland treatment.

  • MRI-Guided Prostate Laser Ablation

    Sperling Prostate Center MRI-Guided Prostate Laser Ablation mri-laserfiber.jpg
    The thin (1.6mm) laser fiber is then placed into the tumor under MRI guidance us

    MRI-Guided Prostate Laser Ablation is an advanced, minimally invasive targeted (or focal) procedure which uses the power of MRI imaging to place a tiny laser fiber used to ablate the targeted tumor(s) in the prostate.

  • Sperling Prostate Center MRI Guided Prostate Laser Ablation mri-placement.jpg
    Pre-procedure MRI confirms placement of applicator in the target tissue.
    Performed by a team composed of a radiologist and a urologist, this advanced MRI-guided procedure provides accurate visualization of prostate tumor(s) in real time. The MRI is used to help the physician guide the laser applicator to the target tissue or tumor.
  • Sperling Prostate Center MRI Guided Prostate Laser Ablation mri-heating.jpg The laser is activated to begin heating of the tumor. Using MR images and software from Visualase allows the physician to see the tissue heating during laser irradiation, and control how much energy is delivered.

    During the procedure the MRI is also used to monitor temperature-sensitive changes in the prostate tissue. This unique feature allows the physician to see the tissue heating while applying the laser energy. The result is unparalleled control over how much energy is delivered. At the same time, the destruction of tissue and tumor is confirmed. Typically the laser procedure takes about 1 hour.

  • Sperling Prostate Center MRI Guided Prostate Laser Ablation mri-results2.jpg

    Results are confirmed with MR images. The laser applicator is removed and the small incision is closed with one stitch and/or a bandage. The entire procedure, including preparation time, lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Patients often return home the same day with no catheter.

    The procedure can be repeated if necessary and does not preclude any future prostate therapies. MRI-Guided Laser ablation therapy is an outpatient procedure performed in a specialized MRI suite in about one hour. Laser ablation requires no surgery and no catheter. 

  • Procedure Features

    MRI-Guided prostate laser ablation therapy is an advanced, minimally invasive procedure that can dramatically reduce risk of incontinence and impotence.

    The Sperling Prostate Center utilizes an advance procedure protocol to diagnose, plan and treat. During the procedure Dr. Sperling can accurately visualize the tumor and ablate (destroy) tumors in real time.

    This same technology and approach allows Dr. Sperling to preserve normal tissue and protect adjacent vital organs while ensuring their tissue and function are not damaged.

    This outpatient procedure requires no surgery and is completed in about an hour, unlike other ablation technologies performed outside the US by Dr. Sperling, typically accompanied by a urologist.

  • MR-Guided Prostate Laser Ablation Therapy is an effective method that uses MRI guidance to target and eradicate the primary tumor. The procedure can be repeated if necessary and does not preclude any future prostate therapies. MRI-Guided Prostate Laser Ablation Therapy may offer advantages in minimizing tumor recurrence and enhancing safety near critical structures during ablation of tumors in the prostate.

  • Follow-up Care Plan

    Sperling Prostate Center Follow-up Care Plan patient-nurse.jpg

    The final step of the Protocol is a comprehensive post-treatment follow-up plan to monitor the recovery and progress of each patient. This personalized recovery plan includes access to the team of health care professionals at the Sperling Prostate Center. Likewise, we work closely with a patient's local care provider to help achieve a speedy and effective return to normal life and to establish an appropriate monitoring plan. It's vital that each patient remains diligent, consistently observing a well designed treatment follow up plan.

    IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The information provided is for general information purposes only and is not intended to replace sound professional medical advice and care. All treatment options and potential outcomes and complications should be discussed with Dr. Sperling or a qualified healthcare provider.

  • MRI-Guided Treatment

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