TRI-LINK Surgical Services

..:: CRYOTHERAPY ::..

CRYOTHERAPY

One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, 85% are candidates for minimally invasive treatment options.

Cryotherapy is a minimally invasive, radiation-free treatment that offers patients the benefits of quick recovery, shorter hospital stays, minimal blood loss, and fewer complications when compared to open or radical surgery. Additionally, if patients have not responded well to radiation, or if the cancer is recurrent, cryotherapy can still be performed and repeated.

Technology & Innovation

CryoNeedle

Patented 17-gauge (1.47mm) needle technology produces precise and accurate ice balls
Needle shaft has 5mm and 5cm markings indicating distance from the tip
Thin grip optimizes handling and maneuverability during needle insertion
Sharp tip allows direct percutaneous insertion
Unique needle insertion techniques using a template
For ablation of prostate and renal cancer
Auto target temperature set-up

IceRod

Incorporates all of the 17-gauge CryoNeedle technology plus...
An advanced heat exchanger which produces a precise ice ball that is comparable in size to larger diameter cryoprobes
Improved sterile field access with longer flexible tubing (8 foot)
Color coded handle indicates the 17-gauge needle selected
Reduces the number of kidney punctures per treatment - reduction of total EBL
Auto target temperature set-up

Put the freeze on prostate cancer

SeedNet cryotherapy is a proven method for treating prostate cancer from locally confined to locally advanced disease stages. Results demonstrate excellent local control of the disease based on PSA levels of less than 0.4 ng/ml and the rate of major complications compares favorably with other modalities. SeedNet is also routinely and successfully used on patients with high PSA and Gleason scores.

How does SeedNet work?

An insertion template like that used in radioactive seed implantation (brachytherapy) is placed against the perineum. Ultra-thin CryoNeedles are easily guided via the template and inserted through the perineum into the prostate. Argon gas circulating through these needles generates very low temperatures causing the formation of ice. Many precision iceballs combine to create a frozen region that conforms to the size and shape of the prostate. The freezing process is lethal to all cells and thoroughly ablates all prostatic tissue.

As with brachytherapy, the CryoNeedles are easily inserted and guided to their target locations using an ultrasound probe placed in the rectum. Moreover, the entire SeedNet procedure, including the freezing and thawing processes, is carefully monitored in real-time with ultrasound imaging. A catheter, through which warm water is circulated, is inserted in the penis in order to protect the urethra against damage from cold. The doctor plans where to place the needles prior to the procedure so that the entire prostate will be completely treated. However, at any time during the procedure the doctor is able to change the placement of the needles or add and remove needles making this an extremely flexible and user-friendly system. Either spinal or general anesthesia is used during the procedure.

Similar to radical prostatectomy and radiation therapy, SeedNet treats the entire prostate for cancer and not only a specific area that may contain a tumor. In order to ensure the destruction of all cancer cells, the goal is to freeze tissue beyond the membrane that encloses the prostate. In doing so, nerve bundles associated with erection may be affected. Potency may return over a period of time and you should discuss with your doctor the various treatments for alleviating this condition.

Who is a candidate for SeedNet treatment?

SeedNet is a treatment option for the many prostate cancer patients who are seeking minimally invasive treatment instead of surgery, or who prefer not to have radiation treatment. The procedure can be used for a wide range of disease stages from locally confined prostate cancer to locally advanced disease and radiation failures.

SeedNet is routinely and successfully used on patients with high PSA and high Gleason scores. Generally men with smaller prostates are better candidates for SeedNet treatment. Those with larger prostates can undergo hormone therapy to decrease prostate size prior to SeedNet treatment.

Benefits of SeedNet cryotherapy

Viable and effective treatment option: many patients are unwilling or unable to undergo surgery or radiation treatment
Minimally invasive: uses ultra-thin 17 gauge CryoNeedles no larger than biopsy needles
Easy to perform procedure: usually completed in under two hours
Brief overnight hospital stay, unlike surgery that requires several days' hospitalization
Quick recovery time: mobility the same day of the procedure and return to routine activities within a few days
Can be performed under local anesthesia: easier and faster recovery time as opposed to surgery
Repeatable in case of cancer recurrence: SeedNet is a reasonable solution for eradicating cancer that has returned following treatments of surgery, radiation therapy or cryotherapy
Minimal pain and discomfort: causes only minimal bruising and swelling as opposed to major trauma with surgery

TRI-LINK Surgical Services ::: 1707 Miller Road Kalamazoo Michigan 49003 ::: 1-888-840-1557