New Water Vapor Ablation Tech Offers Hope for Prostate Patients, Preserving Quality of Life

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – March 25, 2026 – A new chapter in prostate care began today on the East Coast, marking a significant step forward for patients seeking alternatives to conventional treatments fraught with life-altering side effects. Francis Medical, Inc., a Minneapolis-based medical device company, announced the successful completion of the first commercial procedure in the region using its Vanquish® Water Vapor Ablation System.

The minimally invasive procedure was performed by Dr. Robert Given of Urology of Virginia at the Chesapeake Regional Surgery Center. It represents the first time the technology has been used outside of a clinical study in Virginia, signaling its transition from research to routine clinical practice. The patient, diagnosed with localized prostate cancer, underwent the procedure, which is designed to precisely ablate targeted prostate tissue while aiming to spare surrounding nerves and muscles critical for urinary and sexual function.

A New Wave in Prostate Treatment

The Vanquish System represents a novel application of a familiar element: water. It is a thermotherapy device that delivers high-energy sterile water vapor through a transurethral approach, guided by ultrasound and electromagnetic tracking. This process allows for the controlled and targeted thermal ablation, or destruction, of prostate tissue. For decades, men have faced a difficult trade-off between treating prostate conditions and preserving their quality of life. Traditional treatments like radical prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate) and radiation therapy, while effective, carry substantial risks of urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction.

Francis Medical's technology enters the clinical arena as a direct response to this long-standing challenge. The company was founded by inventor Michael Hoey as a tribute to his father, Francis Hoey, who suffered harsh complications from prostate cancer treatments before his death in 1991. The company's mission is rooted in the belief that treatments can be both tough on cancer and gentle on patients.

"Introducing Vanquish marks an important milestone for both our practice and patients across the East Coast," said Dr. Robert Given in a statement. "This initial case demonstrates how seamlessly this technology can be integrated into clinical care, providing a minimally invasive option for targeted tissue ablation. As the first center on the East Coast to perform these procedures outside of a clinical study, we're excited to expand access to innovative solutions that prioritize both efficacy and preservation of quality of life to patients."

Balancing Efficacy with Patient Experience

The commercial launch of the Vanquish system is supported by compelling interim data from the company's ongoing VAPOR 2 pivotal study, a multi-center trial involving 235 patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer. The results presented at major urological conferences have been a significant driver of clinical and investor confidence.

Data from the study showed that 91% of eligible patients had a negative biopsy of the targeted prostate tissue six months after a single Vanquish procedure, indicating effective ablation of the targeted disease. Crucially, the procedure was well-tolerated, with no device-related serious adverse events reported. Rates of side effects were remarkably low compared to historical data for traditional therapies, with minimal instances of significant urinary incontinence or erectile dysfunction.

Patient-reported outcomes further underscore the system's potential impact on quality of life. At a recent European Association of Urology meeting, data from the VAPOR 2 study revealed that 93% of patients were satisfied or extremely satisfied with their treatment. Furthermore, 94% stated that they believed receiving the treatment was a wise decision. Patients also reported minimal to no pain following the procedure, allowing for a quick return to daily activities. This combination of clinical efficacy and high patient satisfaction addresses a critical unmet need in prostate care.

Navigating the Regulatory and Competitive Landscape

The Vanquish System received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2025. It is important to note the specific scope of this clearance, which is for the "thermal ablation of targeted prostate tissue." As per the FDA's disclosure, the system has not yet been evaluated or cleared for the treatment of prostate cancer as a disease, nor have long-term cancer control outcomes been established under this initial clearance.

Francis Medical is actively working toward that goal. The company is continuing to follow patients in the VAPOR 2 study for up to five years to gather the long-term data necessary to support a Premarket Approval (PMA) submission. A PMA would allow for an expanded indication specifically for the management of clinically localized prostate cancer, a much higher regulatory bar that would solidify the technology's role as a frontline treatment option.

The Vanquish system enters a competitive but rapidly evolving market for minimally invasive prostate therapies. It distinguishes itself from other technologies, such as High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) and cryotherapy, through its unique mechanism and comprehensive reach. According to the company, the convective properties of water vapor allow it to treat cancerous lesions effectively in all parts of the prostate, an area where some other focal therapies face limitations.

The Business of Innovation

This expansion into commercial use is not just a clinical milestone; it is a strategic business move backed by significant investor confidence. Francis Medical, a privately held company, has successfully raised approximately $160 million to date. A pivotal $80 million Series C financing round announced in early 2025 was co-led by prominent venture capital firms Arboretum Ventures and Solas BioVentures, with participation from strategic partners like Boston Scientific and Coloplast.

This substantial funding is fueling the technology's development, ongoing clinical trials, and the commercial rollout now underway. The launch on the East Coast is a key part of a broader strategy to establish Vanquish as a new standard of care across the United States.

"We are proud to support Dr. Given and the team at Urology of Virginia as they introduce Vanquish into clinical practice," commented Mike Kujak, CEO of Francis Medical. "These first commercial cases on the East Coast represent an important step in expanding access to our technology and reflect the growing demand for innovative, minimally invasive options. We are committed to partnering with leading physicians to bring differentiated solutions to patients and to advancing the adoption of focal therapy across the U.S."