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Cancer treatment

Boston Scientific Scimed Inc. Receives Patent for Prostate Cancer Treatment Method

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Boston Scientific Scimed Inc. has been issued patent number 12440258 for a novel method of treating prostate cancer, according to a report from NewsRx. The patent, filed on November 20, 2023, and published online on October 14, 2025, describes a method for treating prostate cancer using a vapor delivery needle that ablates peripheral zone tissue. The inventors, Hoey, Michael, Mauch, Grant, and Schrom, Mark, developed a system that delivers condensable vapor through the needle into the peripheral zone tissue, ablating either a focal region of such peripheral zone tissue or the entire peripheral zone surrounded by a pseudo-capsule of dense tissue.

Key Takeaways:

  • The patent describes a method for treating prostate cancer using a vapor delivery needle that ablates peripheral zone tissue.
  • The system includes a vapor delivery needle that can be inserted trans-perineally into the prostate, and a temperature sensor that monitors the temperature of the tissue.
  • The method delivers an amount of vapor that is configured to ablate all tissue comprising the peripheral zone of the tissue.
  • The amount of vapor delivered ranges from 300-1000 calories of energy and is delivered over a time ranging from 20 seconds to 60 seconds.
  • The method includes using an ultrasound image produced by an array of ultrasound transducers to guide the insertion of the vapor delivery needle.
  • The system includes a removable insulating sheath over the vapor delivery needle that includes a pair of concentric tubes with a space between them that has a vacuum.
  • The method has several variations, including inserting multiple vapor delivery needles and using a temperature sensor to monitor the temperature of the tissue.

Statistics:

  • The patent was filed on November 20, 2023.
  • The patent was published online on October 14, 2025.
  • The method ablates peripheral zone tissue in a prostate with an energy range of 300-1000 calories.
  • The amount of vapor delivered ranges from 20 seconds to 60 seconds.
  • The system includes a temperature sensor that measures a threshold temperature value of 44-60 degrees Celsius.

Sources:

  • Hoey, Michael. Systems and methods for treating prostate cancer. U.S. Patent Number 12440258, filed November 20, 2023, and published online on October 14, 2025. Patent URL (for desktop use only): https://ppubs.uspto.gov/pubwebapp/external.html?q=(12440258)&db=USPAT&type=ids
  • NewsRx, "Boston Scientific Scimed Inc. Receives Patent for Prostate Cancer Treatment Method", November 4, 2025.

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