Frequently Asked Questions

If you are scheduled for a Vanquish procedure, you should anticipate approximately half a day for the entire outpatient appointment. This would include check-in, preparation for the procedure, procedure time and recovery. Post-procedure times can vary, and your physician will determine when you are ready for discharge.

General anesthesia will be used during the procedure to reduce the potential for movement during the localized ablation and to manage potential pain. Patients in the VAPOR 2 clinical study reported little to no pain. However, there can be some minor discomfort after the procedure, which typically resolves within a few days and may be managed with over-the-counter medications. Your physician will discuss pain management options as part of the preparation for the procedure.

The Vanquish procedure is typically performed as an outpatient procedure and patients can go home the same day. Your physician will determine when you will be discharged after the procedure.

You may feel some minor discomfort, and you likely will need to use a catheter for a few days after the procedure to support urination during the healing process. Your doctor will discuss pain management options with you. However, you should be able to perform non-strenuous activities within a few days after the procedure.

• The Vanquish Water Vapor Ablation System uses small amounts of water vapor (steam) to ablate (destroy) targeted cancerous tissue.
• The outpatient procedure is normally performed under general anesthesia.
• A device is inserted into your urethra and advanced to your prostate. A small needle shaped catheter is then deployed from the device and moved to the targeted cancerous tissue. The physician will then deliver multiple treatments to destroy the targeted tissue.
• Steam may also be delivered to areas around the cancerous tissue (margin) to ensure full ablation of the cancer.

Yes, the Vanquish procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia. This reduces the potential for movement during the localized ablation and will also manage potential pain.

Patients with localized, low-to-intermediate risk prostate cancer are potential candidates for the Vanquish procedure. Discuss available treatment options with your physician that align with your overall health needs and quality of life goals.

As a newer treatment option for the ablation of cancerous prostate tissue, coverage and payment are still being established with insurance companies. Medicare covers procedures that are considered reasonable and medically necessary; however, health plans will determine coverage and medical necessity criteria on a case-by-case basis. Francis Medical recommends obtaining prior authorization or predetermination, if available.

There are risks with any procedure and with anesthesia. Your doctor will discuss these risks with you. However, early clinical data supports the safety of the Vanquish procedure.

In both the VAPOR 1 (n=15) and initial analysis of VAPOR 2 (n=110) studies:

• There were no serious adverse events related to the device.
• Minimal urinary incontinence.
• Low rates of erectile dysfunction.

Side effects may occur and are usually minor and resolve over time. Common side effects observed in clinical studies include: blood in urine, urinary retention if catheter is removed too soon, sexual dysfunction, irritative urinary symptoms, post void dribbling, mild incontinence, and urethral discharge.

Since this is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure, recovery times are typically relatively short. Your physician will provide more detailed information in your discharge instructions.

Yes, one of the benefits of the Vanquish procedure is that it destroys the target cancer tissue while providing flexibility for future procedures should it become necessary.