Prostate Ultrasound in Sherman Oaks, CA

Prostate ultrasound is a medical imaging technique used to evaluate the prostate gland. It uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the prostate, which can help doctors diagnose and monitor conditions such as prostate cancer, enlarged prostate, and prostatitis. At our urology clinic in Sherman Oaks, CA, we offer prostate ultrasound by experienced medical professionals equipped with state-of-the-art ultrasound technology.

ExactVu™ Micro-Ultrasound highest resolution imaging tool.

Genesis Healthcare has recently acquired the ExactVu micro-ultrasound, a new modality that has equivalent safety to conventional ultrasound (its ultrasound) but has a 300% increase in resolution over the conventional ultrasound used by urologists to guide prostate biopsies.

Micro-ultrasound lets our urologists actually see regions that may be suspicious so they can better attempt to “target” the biopsies to that area.

Ask for your biopsy procedure to be guided by high-resolution micro-ultrasound.

What is micro-ultrasound?

Micro-ultrasound is a medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the body’s internal structures, particularly in the prostate gland. It is a newer technology that has recently been developed and is increasingly being used for prostate imaging and diagnosis.

Similar to traditional ultrasound, but it uses much higher frequency sound waves, which allows for much higher resolution imaging. The technique also employs a specially designed transducer that can obtain images of the prostate at a higher resolution than traditional ultrasound.

Why is this important for you?

As a man who has been referred to your urologist for a biopsy, don’t you want your urologist to use the highest resolution imaging tool currently available to look at your prostate, one that lets them actually see regions that may be suspicious so they can better attempt to “target” the biopsies to that area?

As such, ask for your biopsy procedure to be guided by a high-resolution micro-ultrasound.

Why should I ask for micro-ultrasound to guide my prostate biopsy?

Micro-ultrasound has a 300% improvement in resolution over conventional ultrasound – – which means that your urologist can actually see and then target your biopsies to suspicious areas of your prostate which cannot be seen using conventional ultrasound.

Why is this important for you?

• Improved accuracy: Micro-ultrasound can provide higher resolution images of the prostate gland, which can help Dr. David better visualize and locate suspicious areas. This can result in a more accurate biopsy, with less risk of missing cancerous tissue or false-negative results.
• Real-time feedback: During the biopsy procedure, micro-ultrasound can provide real-time feedback to Dr. David, allowing them to adjust the biopsy needle to ensure that it is placed precisely in the targeted area. This can help reduce the risk of sampling errors or inadequate tissue samples.
• Lower risk: Micro-ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that does not involve exposure to ionizing radiation. It is generally considered safe and well-tolerated by patients. By using micro-ultrasound to guide your biopsy, you may be able to reduce your risk of complications and minimize any discomfort associated with the procedure.
• Early detection: Prostate cancer can often be asymptomatic in its early stages, making early detection critical for effective treatment. Using micro-ultrasound to guide your biopsy can help detect small tumors that may not be visible on other imaging techniques, allowing for earlier detection and treatment.

What is the difference between micro-ultrasound and MRI for biopsies?

Urologists have long needed to find a better imaging solution than conventional ultrasound for their biopsies. Some urologists have partnered with radiologists to start using MRI for their biopsies, which seems to work better in certain select cases (such as if you’ve already had a negative biopsy yet your symptoms persist or rise). The new availability of micro-ultrasound in the USA, Canada, and Europe, means that advanced imaging is now available for all cases. There are many benefits of micro-ultrasound over MRI to guide your initial biopsies.

Why is this important to you?

The benefits of micro-ultrasound to you include:

• Micro-ultrasound has even better resolution than MRI. This means the urologist can better see suspicious regions in your prostate and target them – and do so in real-time and in their office.
• You only need one visit to the urologist to get your targeted micro-ultrasound biopsy. In contrast, with MRI, you go to your urologist, you are then referred to a hospital for an MRI, and you then go back to your urologist for a fusion biopsy. That’s at least 3 separate visits.
• The micro-ultrasound imaging session is fast, quick, and painless.
  In contrast, the MRI scan can be claustrophobic, loud and you usually require an injection of a contrast agent which can be dangerous if you have kidney problems. The MR imaging session itself takes 20 – 40 minutes inside the magnet, in addition to all the preparation.
• Your urologist is an expert in ultrasound. It is the imaging modality they have been using and trained on all their professional career. It is familiar and most urologists are experts. Micro-ultrasound is an extension of that. MRI, on the other hand, is generated and interpreted by a radiologist and then transferred to the urologist.
• There is usually no additional cost for micro-ultrasound. In many locations, there is a significant additional cost for prostate MRI.