Memorial Healthcare System adds micro-ultrasound for prostate cancer detection

By AI, Created 9:54 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Memorial Healthcare System has begun using a high-resolution micro-ultrasound platform for prostate imaging and targeted biopsies at Memorial Hospital West. The Broward County system says it is the first and only health system in the county using the technology, which could improve detection and streamline biopsy visits.

Why it matters: - Prostate cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting men in the United States. - The American Cancer Society estimates about 333,830 new U.S. cases in 2026. - Earlier and more accurate detection can improve biopsy targeting and treatment planning. - The technology may also reduce the need for separate imaging and biopsy appointments.

What happened: - Memorial Healthcare System’s Division of Urology has started using a high-resolution micro-ultrasound system to detect prostate cancer. - The technology is currently in use at Memorial Hospital West. - Memorial Healthcare System says it is the first and only health system in Broward County using the ExactVu micro-ultrasound platform. - Urologists across the Memorial Healthcare System Division of Urology are incorporating the system into prostate biopsy procedures.

The details: - The ExactVu platform uses 29 MHz micro-ultrasound to produce higher-resolution images of prostate tissue than conventional ultrasound. - Traditional ultrasound used during prostate biopsies typically operates between 6 and 12 MHz. - The sharper imaging can help identify suspicious areas and guide more precise biopsies. - Jonathan Silberstein, chief of urology and urologic oncology at Memorial Healthcare System, said traditional ultrasound often could not reliably identify abnormal prostate tissue. - Silberstein said micro-ultrasound allows physicians to see prostate tissue in greater detail and identify suspicious areas in real time. - Memorial says the technology can support same-visit evaluation and targeted biopsy in many cases. - The system can be used alongside MRI when needed. - MRI-to-ultrasound image alignment during biopsy can be challenging, and slight misalignment may lead to missed targets. - MRI can also miss some clinically significant prostate cancers. - Silberstein said the clearer visual guide can improve biopsy precision. - Silberstein said the imaging can support focal therapy, which treats only the cancerous portion of the prostate while preserving healthy tissue. - Silberstein compared focal therapy to a breast lumpectomy in concept. - Memorial Healthcare System Division of Urology treats conditions affecting the kidneys, bladder, prostate and male reproductive system. - The division offers diagnostic and treatment options for prostate cancer, kidney stones, benign prostatic hyperplasia and urinary disorders. - Memorial says the focus is on minimally invasive techniques and personalized treatment plans. - More information is available at Memorial Healthcare System urology services.

Between the lines: - The move reflects a broader push to improve prostate cancer detection beyond standard ultrasound alone. - Micro-ultrasound could reduce dependence on MRI as the only advanced pre-biopsy guide, though Memorial still sees MRI as useful when needed. - The technology may make biopsy workflows more efficient by combining imaging and sampling in one visit. - Better visualization could also expand interest in focal therapy, a more tissue-sparing approach for selected patients.

What’s next: - Memorial urologists will continue integrating the platform into prostate biopsy procedures across the system. - Memorial Hospital West is one of the locations currently using the system, with broader adoption possible within the division. - The technology’s clinical impact will likely be measured by how well it improves target detection, biopsy accuracy and treatment selection.