The procedure was performed on an outpatient basis at the Ingalls Memorial Ambulatory Surgical Center on a patient diagnosed with localized prostate cancer. Vanquish Water Vapor Ablation uses thermal energy stored in sterile water vapor to ablate targeted prostate tissue, conforming to the natural boundaries of the treated area potentially minimizing risk to surrounding structures, including nerve bundles critical to urinary and sexual function.
The Vanquish System, developed by Minnesota-based Francis Medical, is a transurethral, ultrasound and electromagnetically guided, thermal water vapor device designed to convectively ablate targeted prostate tissue. After receiving FDA 510(k) clearance in late 2025, this procedure marks its first use in Chicago as part of a prostate care pathway outside of a clinical study.
Dr. Sidana served as a clinical investigator in the VAPOR 2 study, a prospective, multicenter, single-arm pivotal trial enrolling 235 patients with intermediate-risk, localized prostate cancer across 26 U.S. clinical sites. His firsthand experience in the clinical trial uniquely positions him and UChicago Medicine to bring this technology to patients in the region.
“Having participated in the VAPOR 2 clinical study, I witnessed firsthand the potential of this technology to deliver effective ablation of prostate tissue while preserving the quality of life our patients deserve,” said Dr. Sidana. “Being able to now offer this as part of prostate services at UChicago Medicine is an exciting step forward for patients who are navigating their complex decision process for prostate care.”
Six-month biopsy data from the VAPOR 2 study on the first 110 patients showed elimination of targeted MRI-visible intermediate-risk disease in 91% of patients following a single Vanquish procedure, with no device-related serious adverse events. Patient-reported outcomes were equally encouraging, with most patients reporting minimal to no pain following the procedure. At 12 months post-procedure, 93% of patients reported being extremely satisfied or satisfied with their outcomes, and 94% considered their decision to receive the treatment a wise one.
“Dr. Sidana’s work as a VAPOR 2 investigator exemplifies exactly the kind of clinical partnership that has made the Vanquish system possible,” added Mike Kujak, President and CEO of Francis Medical. “Having a physician of his caliber and expertise bringing this technology to patients in Chicago is a tremendous milestone for Francis Medical and, more importantly, for the men in the community who now have access to a minimally invasive option that wasn’t previously available.”
