The Cryocare® CS incorporates enhanced control mechanisms to minimize the risk of unintended damage to tissue surrounding the prostate. The argon gas-based cryoprobes stop freezing instantly. During cryotherapy procedures, six to eight temperature probes are selectively placed in the prostate near the rectal tissue, sphincter muscles that control continence, and neurovascular bundles that control potency. These temperature probes enable the physician to monitor temperatures of tissue adjacent to the prostate in real-time.

To date, the majority of the Endocare cryotherapy procedures have been performed in medium to high risk patients. In these procedures, the urologist intentionally ablates the neurovascular bundles to prevent the recurrence of cancer, typically resulting in impotence. Endocare have developed a nerve-sparing procedure for lower risk patients through a combination of early detection and improved surgical techniques.

The Cryoguide ultrasound planning and mapping software is a significant advancement in targeted cryoablation of the prostate. The Cryoguide software allows physicians to visualize the prostate in three dimensions and uses a grid system to facilitate the precise placement of our cryoprobes in the optimal position in the prostate. Endocare's Cryoguide software incorporates a visualization and planning process allowing the surgeon to simulate cryoablation of the prostate. This simulation allows validation of the positioning of the cryoprobes prior to initiating treatment and tailoring the iceball formation for individual patients, thus improving patient outcomes. The Cryoguide software creates a standardized repeatable procedure and decreases procedural time.

Endocare's proprietary cryoprobes are engineered to consistently produce sculpted ice conforming to the unique anatomy of the prostate. Our efficient argon gas-based system delivers lethal ice in a controllable and repeatable fashion. Endocare have also developed a percutaneous access device, named FastTrac, which allows a simplified one-step insertion of our cryoprobes to significantly reduce procedure time.

In April 2003, Endocare unveiled the next generation of Cryocare technology, the Cryocare® CS. The Cryocare® CS is a fully integrated cryosurgical planning, placement and treatment system designed to simplify our FDA-cleared Targeted Cryoablation of the Prostate TCAP procedure. It consists of the AutoFreeze, a computer-controlled automated freezing mechanism that utilizes optimal power settings based upon target endpoint temperatures and continual feedback from the thermocouple tips. Along with AutoFreeze, Cryocare® CS includes new Integrated Ultrasound technology that provides internal visualization of the prostate gland and patented CryoGuide planning software that assists physicians in determining optimal treatment of the entire gland as well as targeting specific cancerous areas of the prostate. The new system also includes a new Urethral Warmer, along with the highly successful vacuum-insulated Direct Access CryoProbes and CryoGrid, a brachytherapy-like grid fixed to the ultrasound stepper.

Cryotherapy is the first minimally invasive procedure that urologists can perform themselves. With radiation therapies, urologists must refer the patient for treatment to a radiation oncologist. Cryotherapy offers the urologist both the opportunity to maintain continuity of patient care and to generate additional revenue.