A Tradition of Innovation
EDAP TMS: History and Innovations in Prostate Tissue Ablation and Treatment of Urinary Stones
Since it was founded in 1979, EDAP TMS has been committed to introducing new and innovative technologies for a minimally-invasive approach to treating urological disorders. These proprietary technologies, such as Focused Ultrasound or Piezo-electric shock waves, have yielded new minimally-invasive procedures for the treatment of several pathologies such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, localized prostate cancer or urinary tract stones. EDAP TMS's design philosophy is to develop minimally-invasive devices for the benefit of the patient associating treatment efficacy and safety. The strength of EDAP TMS Research and Development activity is to master mechanical, acoustic, electronic and IT technologies to produce state-of-the-art and ergonomic medical devices.
History & Innovations
EDAP TMS products are alternatives to traditional surgical procedures which often involve high costs, significant side effects and long recovery times. Founded in 1979, the Company EDAP originally specialized in the manufacturing and distribution of ultrasound scanners and produced the first piezo-electric lithotripter in 1985. Following a merger with Technomed International S.A. in 1994, EDAP TMS launched various generations of lithotripters, urological laser and Prostate Hyperplasia treatment devices (Prostatron) using TUMT (TransUrethral Microwave Therapy) while developing HIFU technology to treat Prostate Cancer. Today, the core business of EDAP TMS is backed by a solid portfolio of patents and innovations in both ESWL and HIFU technologies.
40 years of innovation in non-invasive Therapies
By constantly investing in R&D, and by partnering with renowned medical research institutions (basic research and clinical research) EDAP TMS has developed a large patent portfolio based on its innovative technologies. The company annually invests 10% of its revenues in Research & Development activities (R&D) to maintain and strengthen its level of innovation and research. EDAP TMS develops innovate projects with the financial support of institutional partners such as, Agence National de la Recherche, BPI France, the DIRECCTE, the Grand Lyon, the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region.
In the United States, EDAP’s HIFU devices are indicated for the ablation of prostate tissue
2018 - Focal One receives FDA clearance
Focal One® is cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the ablation of prostate tissue.
2017 - Ablatherm Fusion
Ablatherm® Fusion is cleared by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the ablation of prostate tissue.
2017 - CMS reimbursement code for HIFU ablation
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) creates a reimbursement C-code for Medicare patients undergoing the Ablatherm® HIFU procedure.
2015 - Ablatherm HIFU receives FDA clearance
Ablatherm® Robotic HIFU is cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the ablation of prostate tissue.
2013 - Focal One
Focal One® is. launched upon CE mark approval. It combines elastic fusion with MRI together with a new Dynamic Focusing HIFU probe and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in order to provide the optimal tool for focal therapy of Prostate Cancer.
2005 - Ablatherm HIFU Integrated Imaging
Ablatherm® HIFU Integrated Imaging is launched. The probe integrates both imaging and treatment transducers.2000 - Ablapak
1999-2000 - CE Mark
1999 - Ablasonic
1996 - Ablatherm Multicenter clinical trial
1994 - Patient protection
1993 - First prostate cancer treatment
1991 - Ablatherm
Patent on Ablatherm® transducer design covering geometry and materials.1989 - HIFU technology
2010 - Visio-Track
Introduced with the launch of the Sonolith® i-move, the Visio-Track system allows a freeline ultrasound localization and tracking for a reduced radiation dose during ESWL treatments.2007 - Stone Locking System
Introduced with the launch of Sonolith® i-sys, the Stone Locking system allows the automatic positioning of the shockwave source on the target based on the X-Ray or Ultrasound image.1994 - Electroconductive Technology
EDAP TMS and INSERM jointly develop the patented Electroconductive technology for Sonolith® lithotripters.1990 - Hydrophone
1986 - Ultrasound Imaging Arm
1985 - Sonolith 2000
Cooperation between EDAP TMS and the INSERM (French Institute of Medical Research) leading to the development of the Sonolith® 2000 equipped with a conventional electrohydraulic generator.1984 - Sonolith LT01
Piezo-electric lithotripsy with in-line sonography (LT01).
[1] In the US, EDAP’s HIFU devices are cleared for the ablation of prostate tissue