Mar 8 2016
EDAP TMS SA, the global leader in therapeutic ultrasound, today announced the first prostate ablation treatments performed at Gramercy Surgery Center in New York, NY, using the Company’s FDA-cleared Ablatherm Robotic HIFU. Dr. Ivan Grunberger, Chief of Urology at New York Methodist Hospital and Professor of Clinical Urology at Weill Cornell Medical College, performed the procedures. He was assisted by Dr. Judd Boczko, an Assistant Clinical Professor of Urology at New York Medical College who practices with Westmed Medical Group.
The Ablatherm Robotic HIFU used is owned by American HIFU, LLC, who have mobilized it to provide HIFU access to select urologists and clinics throughout much of the United States.
Dr. Ivan Grunbeger commented: “We are thrilled to begin treating patients with Ablatherm HIFU. Having researched HIFU for more than 20 years and served as an investigator for EDAP’s FDA trial, I am familiar with the device and have a comprehensive understanding of the benefits of HIFU for prostate tissue ablation. This innovative, noninvasive technique has the potential to greatly improve the quality of life of certain prostate cancer patients, and we look forward to using the technology for the benefit of numerous men in the New York area.”
Dr. Judd Boczko added, “It was a privilege to assist in these first prostate ablation cases in New York. Ablatherm HIFU fits with the needs of many of my patients who desire definitive treatment, but were not satisfied with the options available prior to HIFU’s FDA clearance.”
Dan Conley, Chief Executive Officer of American HIFU, LLC, stated, “We are excited to be the first mobile provider of Ablatherm Robotic HIFU in the United States. This device fits our business model exceptionally well and we are seeing great interest. Many of the physicians we already work with have been frustrated until now with the lack of attractive options for the modern prostate patient. HIFU fills a void and we anticipate significant utilization.”
Marc Oczachowski, EDAP TMS Chief Executive Officer, added: “We are very pleased with the adoption that we are experiencing for Ablatherm Robotic HIFU since receiving FDA clearance last quarter. This placement in the New York area is significant in that it provides a large population of both physicians and patients with access to Ablatherm HIFU. We are proud to start implementing Ablatherm HIFU cases in major metropolitan areas with leading surgeons who are recognized for their innovative treatment approaches, such as Dr. Grunberger and Dr Boczko.”