TULSA-PRO® FAQs

The TULSA Procedure is a medical procedure for men with prostate disease that uses sound waves and real-time MRI imaging—all performed by a system called “TULSA-PRO.” The doctor places a thin device through the urethra (the tube you pee from) to gently heat and destroy selected prostate tissue without making any incisions.

The TULSA Procedure is used to treat men with:

• Prostate cancer that’s remained inside the prostate and hasn’t spread
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), which is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that can cause problems with urination

In simple terms, the TULSA Procedure treats diseased or unwanted tissue in the prostate.

TULSA-PRO is different because:

• It uses real-time MRI so the doctor can see the prostate clearly during treatment
• It’s more precise, meaning healthy tissue nearby can be better protected
• It does not require incisions like traditional surgery
• It avoids the long‑term risks that can be associated with radiation exposure, such as cumulative radiation effects on surrounding tissue
• Unlike other focal therapies, it can treat part of the prostate or the whole prostate, depending on what’s needed

Yes, TULSA-PRO® is CE marked, Health Canada approved, and 510(k) cleared in the U.S. It’s used by dozens of leading hospitals and medical facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Like all medical procedures, it has risks, but doctors use MRI and cooling systems to protect important areas such as the urethra and rectum.

The procedure usually takes about two to four hours, depending on how much of the prostate is being treated.

1. You’re put to sleep with anesthesia, so you feel no pain during the procedure
2. A thin ultrasound device is placed through the urethra
3. You’re positioned in an MRI scanner so that the doctor can see your prostate clearly
4. Your doctor uses gentle ultrasound energy to heat and destroy targeted prostate tissue, while MRI technology monitors the area’s temperature in real time to ensure that surrounding tissue is protected
5. A catheter (a small tube) is placed in your bladder to help you urinate while you heal

Almost all patients have the TULSA Procedure as an outpatient, meaning you go home the same day.

You may be a good candidate if:

• You’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer and the cancer is contained within the prostate
• You want a treatment that is less invasive than surgery
• You want a targeted treatment with a low risk of serious side effects
• Your doctor determines that your anatomy and MRI results are suitable for the procedure
• You have BPH symptoms from an enlarged prostate.

Ultimately, your doctor will decide if the TULSA Procedure is right for you based on your MRI, biopsy, PSA (if you have prostate cancer), and overall health.

Possibly. Your PSA level is one part of the evaluation, but your MRI, biopsy results, prostate size, and overall health also matter. Your doctor will review all of this before deciding.

Benefits may include:

• No surgical incisions
• Shorter recovery time than major surgery
• Precise treatment guided by MRI
• Lower risk of damage to nearby tissue
• The ability to treat part or all of the prostate
• Possibly being an option even if you are not a good candidate for surgery
• Potentially being an option even if you’ve already had a prostate procedure before

All surgical treatments carry risks, and individual outcomes may vary based on patient and disease characteristics. The most common side effects of the TULSA Procedure are mild and temporary, such as urinary symptoms, blood in the urine, minor infections, and discomfort in the pelvic, genital, abdominal, or anorectal area.

More serious risks, though rare, can include anesthesia risk, sexual dysfunction, urine leakage, urethral discharge, urinary tract infection, deep vein thrombosis, rectal injury, and tightening of the bladder outlet and/or urethra, which may require additional intervention. Patients may also experience worsening urinary symptoms, such as increased frequency, urgency, or the need to urinate at night.

• You usually go home the same day
• You may have a catheter for a few days to help your bladder drain
• You may feel tired for a few days
• Most men return to normal light activities within a few days to a week
• Your doctor will tell you when it’s safe to exercise, travel, have sex, and return to work

After your TULSA Procedure, your doctor will:

• Check your healing and remove your catheter
• Monitor your PSA levels over time (if you have prostate cancer)
• Schedule follow-up MRI scans or exams if needed
• Discuss your long-term plan and future monitoring

Yes. The TULSA Procedure does not remove your testicles, so your body should continue to make testosterone normally.

Coverage for the Tulsa Procedure varies based on each patient’s individual insurance plan and medical diagnosis, as insurers may apply different medical‑necessity and reimbursement criteria. Verification of benefits is not a guarantee of coverage or payment.

Your healthcare team can assist in reviewing your insurance benefits, and Profound Medical offers a dedicated Patient Access department that can help explain potential reimbursement pathways and provide general information to support the coverage process. All coverage decisions are ultimately made by the insurance provider.

The TULSA Procedure is offered at major hospitals, cancer centers, and specialized urology and radiology centers across the United States and in several other countries.

You can use this “Find a Provider” tool or ask your doctor for a referral to a TULSA Procedure center near you.

Of course! We encourage patients to bring a spouse, partner, family member, or other trusted loved one to appointments. They can help ask questions, take notes, and support you in making the best decision.

Here are helpful questions to bring to your appointment:

• Is the treatment we’re discussing covered by my insurance?
• Am I a good candidate for the TULSA Procedure?
• Will my treatment be partial or whole-gland?
• What are my other treatment options?
• What side effects should I expect?
• How long will I need a catheter?
• What is my follow-up plan?
• How will we measure success?
• Will my condition and treatment affect my urination or sexual function?

1. Talk with your urologist or oncologist
2. If you have them, share your MRI, biopsy, and PSA results with your doctor
3. Ask for a referral to a TULSA-PRO center if needed by your insurance
4. Speak with a TULSA Procedure Patient Educator to review your case

In many cases, TULSA Procedure centers can review MRI imaging and medical records completed at another institution to help determine whether or not a patient may be a candidate. However, this varies by center. Some doctors may require repeat imaging at their own facility depending on the previous image’s quality, as well as their medical center’s protocol or requirements. It is best to check directly with the treating center to confirm what they’re able to review.

Yes. The TULSA Procedure has been studied in many clinical trials and has appeared in more than 70 articles in peer-reviewed medical journals. Your doctor can share key studies with you. Click here to learn more.

No. The TULSA Procedure uses ultrasound energy guided by real-time MRI, not a laser.

The TULSA Procedure received FDA 510(k) clearance in 2019 and has also been cleared in other countries. It’s been used commercially since 2020. More than 4,400 patients worldwide have been treated since then.

Success depends on:

• Your disease state (your cancer’s stage and location)
• Whether treatment is partial or whole-gland
• Your follow-up care

Published studies show strong cancer control for appropriately selected patients, with many maintaining good urinary and sexual function compared to surgery, such as radical prostatectomy (RP). Your doctor can discuss expected results based on your specific case.