Francis Medical Expands Vanquish Procedures for Prostate Tissue Ablation in San Antonio

Francis Medical, a privately owned medical device company, has recently made significant strides in the field of urology by expanding its commercial procedures using the Vanquish® Water Vapor Ablation System. Based in Maple Grove, Minnesota, the company has announced that Dr. Naveen Kella from The Urology Place has successfully completed the first commercial procedures in San Antonio, Texas. This minimally invasive technology is designed to ablate targeted prostate tissue, providing new options for patients suffering from localized prostate cancer.

Dr. Kella, who has also been a key figure in the VAPOR 2 pivotal study, performed the procedures at the Heubner Ambulatory Surgery Center. He expressed his satisfaction with the Vanquish system, noting its seamless integration into existing clinical workflows. According to Dr. Kella, the technology not only enhances efficiency but also supports consistent execution of procedures without introducing unnecessary complexity. The system's safety profile and patient tolerability are promising, especially as the medical community increasingly prioritizes options that maintain quality of life alongside treatment efficacy.

The Vanquish system employs transurethral ultrasound and electromagnetic guidance to deliver convective water vapor energy directly to the prostate, aiming to achieve effective tissue ablation while preserving surrounding structures vital for urinary and sexual function. In the ongoing follow-up of the VAPOR 2 study, a remarkable 91% of eligible patients demonstrated negative biopsy results of the targeted prostate tissue at six months following a single treatment. Additionally, the procedure has shown low rates of device-related serious adverse events, urinary incontinence, and erectile dysfunction, indicating a favorable risk profile.

Patient satisfaction has been significantly high, with 93% of patients expressing a level of satisfaction ranging from satisfied to extremely satisfied; 94% believed they made a wise decision in opting for the procedure. This milestone is not only a significant achievement for Francis Medical but also comes at a crucial time as the company celebrates eight years since its inception. Mike Kujak, the President and CEO of Francis Medical, emphasized the journey from initial clinical investigation to real-world patient care and expressed gratitude towards the clinical investigators of the VAPOR 2 study for their collaborative role in advancing this technology into clinical practice.

The Vanquish Water Vapor Ablation system is specifically cleared for the thermal ablation of targeted prostate tissue via a transurethral approach. However, it's important to note that the FDA has not evaluated this system for treating prostate cancer or for assessing long-term outcomes related to prostate cancer treatment.

The story behind Francis Medical is deeply personal. Founded by Michael Hoey, the company is a tribute to his father, Francis Hoey, who faced challenging prostate cancer treatments notorious for their harsh side effects. This personal connection fuels the company’s mission to offer cancer treatments that effectively target the disease while being gentle on patients. Unlike some traditional prostate treatments that are accompanied by life-altering side effects, such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction, the water vapor technology can potentially reduce such risks. It uses thermal energy from sterile water vapor to ablate the targeted tissue through a safe transurethral procedure, minimizing the adverse impacts usually associated with prostate cancer treatments.

Furthermore, The Urology Place, where the initial procedures were performed, is known for its dedication to high-quality, patient-centered care with over 20 years of clinical experience. Under the guidance of Dr. Naveen Kella, this practice incorporates state-of-the-art technologies and advanced techniques to enhance patient outcomes and improve access to essential urological care.

As the study continues to follow patients for longer-term outcomes, the team at Francis Medical remains focused on expanding access to minimally invasive urological treatment options that prioritize both clinical effectiveness and the overall quality of life for their patients. For more detailed information about Francis Medical and the Vanquish Water Vapor Ablation System, you can visit their website at www.francismedical.com or contact them directly at (763) 951-0370.

Topics Health)

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