Before the development of the TULSA Procedure, most prostate treatments were invasive and had a high risk of side effects, including urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. These side effects can reduce a man’s quality of life and often lead to depression and other mental health issues.
The TULSA Procedure is an FDA-cleared outpatient procedure that is incision-free with low complications and a rapid recovery time. Keep reading to learn more about why this procedure may be right for you.
Why the TULSA Procedure?
1. The procedure is performed from the ‘inside-out’
The malignant and benign prostate tissue is ablated with precision using an ‘inside-out’ approach because the directional ultrasound energy comes from the urethra, which is located inside the prostate.
The ability to ablate from the inside out means that the TULSA Procedure is incision-free and does not transmit ultrasound energy through the rectal wall or other surrounding anatomy before reaching the prostate tissue. This process allows for the sparing of critical structures like neurovascular bundles, minimizing the risk of side effects.
2. The procedure is minimally invasive
Unlike other treatments such as surgery and radiation, the TULSA Procedure is incision-free, minimally invasive, and requires very little recovery time. The physician can customize the procedure depending on patients’ needs, conditions, and desired functional outcomes.
3. Same-day outpatient procedure
With the TULSA Procedure, there is no need to go to the hospital or have it done in an OR. The procedure is performed in a single session that takes a few hours, and no repeat visits are necessary.
4. Minimized risk of side effects
The TULSA Procedure is customized based on your unique anatomy, prostate disease, and desired outcomes. The physician plans precisely targeted ablation and uses active urethral and rectal cooling during the procedure, avoiding and protecting critical structures around the prostate. With precision and high local control, the TULSA Procedure minimizes the risk of serious side effects.
5. The TULSA Procedure is radiation-free
Radiation carries a high risk of side effects for urinary, sexual, and bowel functions, which can significantly impact a man’s quality of life and mental health. The TULSA Procedure is a revolutionary method that involves directional ultrasound energy to ablate malignant and benign prostate tissue with no radiation.
6. Quick recovery time
Often, patients say they could not even tell that a procedure had been performed. Most patients return to activities quickly, and functions return to baseline in as little as three months.
7. Customized treatment plan
No two prostates are the same, so no two treatment plans are the same. The TULSA-PRO® system automatically adjusts the ultrasound power and depth to compensate for varying tissue properties and blood flow, which are unique to each patient.
The physician can customize the boundary lines depending on the size of the prostate, the area intended to be treated, and the location of critical structures to be spared. By customizing the boundary line, the physician can preserve the function of the patient’s critical structures yet still deliver effective treatment.
8. The physician has the ability to see what is being ablated in real-time
The TULSA Procedure is performed under MRI real-time thermal mapping for the most accurate, rapid, and effective ablation therapy. This gives the physician real-time MRI guidance and a closed-loop temperature feedback system.
Among all MRI-guided procedures, the TULSA Procedure is the only one that utilizes this real-time guidance to continuously control the amount of energy being delivered. This enables your physician to see in real-time what is happening within your prostate in a very controlled and predictable manner.
9. Allows for shared decision making
Once your TULSA-PRO® physician determines that you are a good candidate for the procedure, you’ll meet with them to discuss the next steps. Your personalized treatment plan is developed prior to the procedure, and you can speak to your treating physician about your needs and desired outcomes.
10. Other treatments can be done after the TULSA Procedure
If you are in need of additional prostate care, you may either have a repeat TULSA Procedure, or choose any other type of prostate therapy to address your prostate needs. The TULSA Procedure does not “burn bridges” as it allows other therapies to be performed after.
Find Out if You’re a Candidate for the TULSA Procedure
At Profound Medical, we refer patients to a TULSO-PRO® physician to determine eligibility. For your consultation, you’ll need to provide information regarding your diagnosis, which can include:
- PSA score
- Biopsy report
- Digital rectal exam (DRE)
- MRI information
Once your TULSA-PRO physician has reviewed your medical history and determined that you are a good candidate for the procedure, you’ll meet with them to discuss the next steps. They will explain the benefits and risks of the procedure and work with you to customize a treatment plan.
Jan 4, 2023 | TULSA Procedure