Press Release
University of Chicago Urologist Performs First Commercial Vanquish® Water Vapor Ablation Procedure in the State
May 28, 2026
Chicago [May 28, 2026] – Abhinav Sidana, MD, a urologic oncologist at the University of Chicago Medicine (UChicago Medicine), has performed the first commercial Vanquish® Water Vapor Ablation procedure in the Chicago metropolitan area, marking a significant milestone for patients in the region seeking minimally invasive prostate treatment options.
The procedure was performed on an outpatient basis at the Ingalls Memorial Ambulatory Surgical Center on a patient diagnosed with localized prostate cancer. Vanquish Water Vapor Ablation uses thermal energy stored in sterile water vapor to ablate targeted prostate tissue, conforming to the natural boundaries of the treated area potentially minimizing risk to surrounding structures, including nerve bundles critical to urinary and sexual function.
The Vanquish® System, developed by Minnesota-based Francis Medical, is a transurethral, ultrasound and electromagnetically guided, thermal water vapor device designed to convectively ablate targeted prostate tissue. After receiving FDA 510(k) clearance in late 2025, this procedure marks its first use in Chicago as part of a prostate care pathway outside of a clinical study.
Dr. Sidana served as a clinical investigator in the VAPOR 2 study, a prospective, multicenter, single-arm pivotal trial enrolling 235 patients with intermediate-risk, localized prostate cancer across 26 U.S. clinical sites. His firsthand experience in the clinical trial uniquely positions him and UChicago Medicine to bring this technology to patients in the region.
“Having participated in the VAPOR 2 clinical study, I witnessed firsthand the potential of this technology to deliver effective ablation of prostate tissue while preserving the quality of life our patients deserve,” said Dr. Sidana. “Being able to now offer this as part of prostate services at UChicago Medicine is an exciting step forward for patients who are navigating their complex decision process for prostate care.”
Six-month biopsy data from the VAPOR 2 study on the first 110 patients showed elimination of targeted MRI-visible intermediate-risk disease in 91% of patients following a single Vanquish procedure, with no device-related serious adverse events. Patient-reported outcomes were equally encouraging, with most patients reporting minimal to no pain following the procedure. At 12 months post-procedure, 93% of patients reported being extremely satisfied or satisfied with their outcomes, and 94% considered their decision to receive the treatment a wise one.
“Dr. Sidana’s work as a VAPOR 2 investigator exemplifies exactly the kind of clinical partnership that has made the Vanquish system possible,” added Mike Kujak, President and CEO of Francis Medical. “Having a physician of his caliber and expertise bringing this technology to patients in Chicago is a tremendous milestone for Francis Medical and, more importantly, for the men in the community who now have access to a minimally invasive option that wasn’t previously available.”
Disclosure: The Vanquish Water Vapor Ablation System has been cleared as a tool for the thermal ablation of targeted prostate tissue via a transurethral approach. The FDA has not evaluated the Vanquish System for the treatment of any disease, including prostate cancer, or evaluated the Vanquish System for any long-term prostate cancer treatment outcomes.
About University of Chicago Medicine
University of Chicago Medicine at Ingalls – Tinley Park offers quick and convenient specialty and primary care for the whole family. The team care for children, teens, adults and senior citizens who need annual exams, immunizations, treatment for injuries or help managing chronic illnesses. We also offer on-site urgent aid, laboratory testing, X-rays, DEXA scans, screening mammography, lung cancer screening, stress tests and rehabilitation services.
About Francis Medical
Francis Medical is committed to developing urological cancer treatments that are tough on cancer and gentle on patients, driven by compassionate belief and clinical data supporting minimally invasive therapies that safely and effectively treat cancerous tissue. For more information on Francis Medical, visit www.francismedical.com or call (763) 951-0370.
Investor Contacts
Michael Kujak, CEO, Francis Medical
mkujak@francismedical.com
612-910-9790
Brian Johnston, Gilmartin Group
brian@gilmartinir.com
Media Contact
Shelli Lissick, Bellmont Partners
shelli@bellmontpartners.com
651-276-6922
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University of Chicago Urologist Performs First Commercial Vanquish® Water Vapor Ablation Procedure in the State
Chicago, IL [May 28, 2026] – Abhinav Sidana, MD, a urologic oncologist at the University of Chicago Medicine (UChicago Medicine), has performed the first commercial Vanquish® Water Vapor Ablation procedure in the Chicago metropolitan area, marking a significant milestone for patients in the region seeking minimally invasive prostate treatment options.
Federal law (USA) restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.
Refer to the device User Manual for a list of contraindications, warnings, and cautions.
Training: Do not operate the Vanquish System without completing Francis Medical-provided physician training. Untrained operation of the device may lead to improper use. Improper use can result in patient injury or equipment malfunction.