FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 8, 2021

Emily Walsh – [email protected] – 212-691-2800

Brooklyn hospital is the first on the East Coast to offer next-generation High Intensity Focused Ultrasound technology

Brooklyn, NY (February 8, 2021) – Maimonides Medical Center announced today that its next-generation High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) prostate cancer treatment has been approved for coverage by most major medical insurance providers. Maimonides was the first hospital on the East Coast to offer this innovative treatment, which can now be accessed by the general public at an affordable cost. Prior cost of the treatment totaled many thousands of dollars.

“The ability to provide the latest technology for battling prostate cancer to more members of our community is a huge win for Brooklyn and demonstrates that Maimonides continues to lead the way in delivering effective and accessible healthcare,” said Kenneth Gibbs, President & CEO of Maimonides Medical Center. “The Maimonides Prostate Center is staffed by some of the country’s top medical experts in the field providing world-class, cutting-edge treatments right here in Brooklyn.”

Next-generation HIFU is among a range of treatments offered at Maimonides to combat prostate cancer. The focal HIFU technology is comprised of a two-in-one advanced ultrasound probe, which is used to both image the prostate and to deliver high-intensity sound waves directed at the target area. As an alternative to radiation, the high-intensity sound waves are used to destroy the targeted tissue where the cancerous cells are located. January marked the first month that next-generation HIFU technology would be covered by most major medical insurance providers.

Many patients have traveled from out-of-state to undergo next-generation HIFU treatment at the Maimonides Prostate Center. Through the use of this leading-edge technology, patients experience fewer side effects and a shorter recovery time. Those who receive the procedure are typically discharged on the same day.

“We’ve seen a number of successful outcomes from our patients who have undergone this next-generation HIFU treatment,” said Dr. David Silver, Director of Urology at Maimonides, and leader of the Maimonides Prostate Center. “The current second-generation technology enables us to focus treatment on a single portion of a prostate that contains cancerous cells while leaving the remaining healthy areas alone. This minimally invasive technique helps to reduce the risk of side effects and allows patients to quickly return to their normal activities.”

Brooklyn resident Pasquale Santoro was the first person to receive the focal HIFU treatment at Maimonides. “I went in on a Friday morning and was home by noon. I can still do all the things I did before and more. I’m enjoying life to the fullest – walking my dog, gardening, and spending time with my family,” he said.

For more information about the next-generation HIFU procedure or to learn more about the Maimonides Prostate Center, visit ProstateCenterNY.org.

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