TCAP utilizes cryoprobes to "reach inside the body through key hole access" freezing and killing cancer cells while minimizing the risk of damage to normal tissue surrounding the prostate. Endocare's CRYOcare system gives the surgeon fine-tuned control of the procedure by combining state-of-the-art ultrasound and patented temperature monitoring. The procedure offers the advantage of quick patient recovery time (usually same day surgery or overnight stay).

Targeted Cryoablation of the Prostate by Endocare is showing great success with clinical evidence that it is comparable, and in some cases superior, to other technologies, such as, permanent seed implants and external beam radiation therapy for locally advanced prostate cancer. It can also be used in men who have recurrent cancer following radiation treatment.

The procedure involves advancing slender cryoprobes into the prostate gland. Circulating within each cryoprobe is liquefied argon gas. This gas creates ice balls at the tip of the cryoprobe. The probes are inserted through small incisions and are strategically placed in the prostate targetting the entire gland while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. A warming catheter is used to protect the urethra while the probes simultaneously freeze the cancerous tissue at temperatures of -40 C. The procedure can be performed using epidural or general anaesthesia. Cryosurgery is a minimally invasive procedure that offers patients the benefits of a quicker recovery period and reduced severity of potential side effects such as incontinence. Incontinence rates are down to 1%, much lower than other procedures. Also, the short hospital stay and quick recovery period contrasts sharply with typical long recovery and extended hospital stays associated with major surgery.

Recent technological advancements have brought about a safer and more effective cryosurgical procedure called TCAP. Targeted cryosurgery uses between 6 and 8 ultrasound-guided cryoprobes to produce ice balls in specified areas. Using more cryoprobes ensures that all cancer cells are destroyed. This procedure is clinically more effective because it uses thermosensors in addition to cryoprobes, enabling physicians to carefully monitor the freezing process and determine when target temperatures have been reached. The treatment is effective for cancer that is confined to the prostate (Stage T1) through more advanced cases that have spread to tissue surrounding the gland (Stage T3).

Unlike radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy, the targeted cryosurgery procedure can be repeated if any cancer cells recur after initial treatment. Clinical data indicates that for locally confined prostate cancer, 97% of patients receiving targeted cryosurgery remain disease-free after one year and 82% of patients have a negative biopsy at five years.