Sonablate HIFU now available in southern California for treatment of prostate cancer patients

HIFU Prostate Services, LLC, a leading provider of minimally-invasive prostate cancer treatment using high intensity focused ultrasound ("HIFU"), announces that Sonablate HIFU is now available in southern California through a partnership established with Western States HIFU and Pacific Coast Urology and one of the most experienced HIFU physicians in the world, Robert Pugach, MD.

Dr. Pugach has one of the largest prostate cancer practices in the United States and routinely treats patients from all areas of the country. He also has a large international patient base, treating patients from many countries including France, Italy, Brazil, Australia and Africa.

This month, Dr. Pugach will treat five prostate cancer patients with Sonablate HIFU. George, a 67-year-old Bellflower resident, will be one of the first patients treated with HIFU at the Los Alamitos Surgical Center. "I decided to have HIFU because I understand it's the best procedure and Dr. Pugach already 'fixed' my friend, John, a few months ago," said George. "He's doing great and I look forward to the same experience."

Dr. Pugach will proctor two additional cases as he trains a physician. He serves as medical director of the partnership offering the minimally invasive prostate cancer treatment to qualifying patients as well as offering training and proctorship to physicians.

Initially Pugach will offer HIFU treatment and training with the Sonablate in Los Alamitos, Calif. at the Los Alamitos Surgery Center. Renowned for its expert clinical staff, the anesthesiologists, nurses and technicians at the center pride themselves on providing personalized, expert care.

"We have an excellent location to serve the patients we see at our Los Alamitos, Beverly Hills and Huntington Beach offices. We will be the premier treatment center for patients in greater Los Angeles, Orange County and all of southern California as well as those travelling from other states," said Pugach. "I am excited to be the lead teacher of other urologists who will be treating patients at our center and will personally proctor them so they can achieve the excellent results I have seen in the 10 years I have been performing this remarkable procedure."

"While I have performed thousands of surgical procedures for prostate disease, and I am the most experienced practitioner for cryoablation (prostate freezing) for prostate cancer in the western United States, HIFU opens a new chapter for prostate cancer treatment in the United States. Now, we join dozens of other countries throughout the world to offer a treatment that can cure cancer while minimizing or eliminating common side effects of surgery such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction," continued Pugach.

"We are proud to announce the opening of our fourth Sonablate HIFU Center of Excellence with Dr. Pugach. His personal experience and expertise with Sonablate HIFU is unparalleled. As an established leader in minimally invasive therapies, we are confident he will attract prostate cancer patients from all over the country who wish to explore HIFU as a treatment option," said John W. Linn, chief executive officer, HIFU Prostate Services.

HIFU offers patients a minimally-invasive, outpatient, prostate cancer treatment option that has been seen to be as effective as surgery and radiation with fewer side effects such as impotence and incontinence. HIFU is a radiation-free, outpatient procedure that is designed as a one-time treatment, but can be repeated if needed and does not preclude any future therapy such as surgery or radiation.

SOURCE HIFU Prostate Services, LLC