An apparatus and method for biopsy and therapy

Abstract

A biopsy and therapy device comprising: a needling unit for holding and inserting a biopsy needle; an imaging module comprising an ultrasound probe and an actuator for moving the probe in a reciprocal action; a first arcuate slide; a second arcuate slide in sliding engagement with the first arcuate slide and a linkage to which the first arcuate slide is mounted; said linkage arranged to move the first and second arcuate slides within a vertical plane; said needling unit mounted to said arcuate slide wherein the first and second arcuate slides are mounted perpendicular to each other so as to rotate the needling unit about respective first and second principal axes.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to the biopsy and therapy of a patient. In particular, the invention relates to methods and apparatus for the automatic conduct of such biopsy and therapy.BACKGROUND[0002]A prostate needle biopsy is recommended when prostate cancer is suspected. It is a surgical procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the prostate gland and examined under the microscope by a pathologist, a doctor specializing in identifying disease through the study of cells, tissues and organs. The procedure takes about 15 minutes and is usually performed by an urologist with the use of a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) probe. With the help of TRUS, a doctor guides a biopsy gun—a hand-held device with a spring-loaded, slender needle—through the wall of the rectum into the area of the prostate gland that appears abnormal.[0003]The rectal wall is thin, so it is possible to place the needle accurately into the abnormal site of the prostate gla...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0026]In one embodiment, the device may include a drape for covering said biopsy and therapy device, said needling unit including a recess with which the drape is arranged to engage. In this way, the device is protected from cross contamination. Having an engagement recess also ensures a seal for better protection.

[0027]In one embodiment, the imaging module may include a probe sheath positioned on said probe and arranged to allow relative reciprocal motion with said probe. Having the probe sheath on the probe allows the sheath to be inserted into the patient and acting as a brace against variation caused by the movement of the probe.

[0028]In one embodiment, said device may be arranged to conduct a biopsy and therapy procedure based upon one or more of the parameters: a needle insertion point defined as a co

Problems solved by technology

Without having accurate knowledge of the cancer site(s), it is unlikely that a random biopsy protocol will yield consistently high cancer detection rates.2. Inaccurate needling: Although the biopsy is guided by TRUS, it is known that the biopsy needle may not reach the desired position accurately

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