For men diagnosed with prostate cancer, treatment decisions often come with difficult tradeoffs—particularly concerns about side effects that can affect quality of life. At St. Clair Health, a new, innovative technology is helping shift that conversation. 

St. Clair Hospital is now offering Robotic High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) using the advanced Focal One® i platform, making it the first healthcare system in the Pittsburgh region to provide this non-invasive treatment option for select prostate cancer patients.  

HIFU uses precisely focused ultrasound waves to generate heat that destroys targeted cancerous tissue within the prostate—without surgery, incisions, or radiation. By treating only the diseased portion of the prostate, HIFU helps preserve surrounding healthy tissue and reduces the risk of common side effects associated with more aggressive treatments. 

“This new, image-guided, minimally invasive technique is for patients with low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer,” said Kevin Bordeau, MD, urologic surgeon with St. Clair Medical Group. “I truly believe it represents the future of prostate cancer treatment when the disease can be discovered early.” 

Precision Treatment with Fewer Side Effects 

Robotic Focal HIFU is performed in a single session under general anesthesia and typically allows patients to return quickly to their normal routines. Because there is no cutting or radiation involved, patients often experience minimal downtime and a lower likelihood of urinary incontinence or erectile dysfunction. 

Clinical outcomes support its growing use. In a large, prospective study involving more than 3,000 patients across 46 centers, Robotic HIFU demonstrated comparable cancer control to radical prostatectomy, while producing significantly better functional outcomes—particularly related to urinary continence and sexual function. 

The Focal One® i system also offers enhanced imaging and workflow capabilities, allowing surgeons to precisely map tumors using advanced MRI—and in some cases PET—imaging before and during treatment. These capabilities help tailor care to each patient’s unique anatomy and cancer profile. 

The Importance of Early Detection 

While HIFU is not appropriate for every patient, it expands the range of treatment options available to men whose cancer is detected early. That makes preventive screening and timely diagnosis more important than ever. 

“Catching cancer early provides a wider range of potential treatments—that’s why preventive screening is so important,” Dr. Bordeau emphasized.  

Patients diagnosed with low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer may now have an option that balances effective cancer treatment with quality-of-life preservation—an especially meaningful consideration for men who wish to remain active at work, home, and in their communities. 

Leading Innovation Close to Home 

St. Clair Health’s investment in Robotic HIFU reflects its ongoing commitment to bringing advanced, high-value care to the communities it serves. As a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, St. Clair Health collaborates nationally to share best practices while delivering personalized care locally. 

For patients and families navigating a prostate cancer diagnosis, access to leading-edge technology—close to home—can make a significant difference. 

To learn more about Robotic HIFU and prostate cancer treatment options at St. Clair Health, visit stclair.org. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Bordeau or another urologist with St. Clair Medical Group, call 412.942.4100.