Cohesive Gel TRUS Probe for Prostate Biopsy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transrectal ultrasound-guided (TRUS) prostate biopsy techniques suffer from significant targeting inaccuracies due to prostate deformations and deflections, leading to high false-negative rates and unreliable 3D image rendering, making it difficult to achieve precise biopsies without causing patient discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A TRUS probe with a lateral fire sensor and oblique needle path, equipped with motors for controlled rotation and needle guidance, allowing for a three-degree-of-freedom movement system that minimizes prostate deflection and enables accurate transrectal biopsy by pivoting and adjusting the needle depth for precise targeting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If freehand TRUS probe is used for imaging, then the prostate can be imaged, but the probe causes variable deflection of the gland resulting in distorted images and skewed volume rendering
Solution Approach 1:
A cohesive gel is introduced as an intermediary substance between the TRUS probe and the rectal wall. This gel fills the space and provides a stable coupling medium that eliminates variable deflection of the prostate gland caused by direct probe contact. The gel maintains consistent acoustic coupling while preventing the probe from displacing or deforming the prostate, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving adequate ultrasound contact and avoiding harmful deflections.
2Measurement precision
If transperineal biopsy path is used, then more comprehensive biopsy localization control is achieved, but patient discomfort increases and logistics become unfeasible
Solution Approach 1:
The cohesive gel serves as a mediator that enables the transrectal approach to achieve transperineal-level localization accuracy. By eliminating probe-induced deflection and providing stable acoustic coupling, the gel allows for precise needle guidance through the rectal path, matching the localization control of transperineal biopsy while maintaining patient comfort and procedural feasibility.
3Productivity
If 3D ultrasound with sensor array probe is used, then faster 3D acquisition is achieved, but image quality and resolution decrease making anatomic landmarks difficult to distinguish
Solution Approach 1:
The cohesive gel improves image quality and resolution by providing consistent acoustic coupling between the probe and tissue. This enhanced image quality makes anatomic landmarks more distinguishable, resolving the trade-off between acquisition speed and image resolution while maintaining fast 3D imaging capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides a more accurate and comfortable transrectal biopsy method by maintaining geometric stability during imaging and biopsy, reducing targeting errors and improving the reliability of 3D image guidance, thus enhancing the precision and effectiveness of prostate biopsies.
Implementation Method 1
transrectal ultrasound-guided (TRUS) prostate biopsy
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a device and method for a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided prostate biopsy. The device includes an ultrasound wand equipped with a lateral fire ultrasound sensor. The ultrasound wand also defines a channel having an oblique path though the wand. The channel accommodates a biopsy needle, which can be pivoted as well inserted through the channel to different depths in order to perform a biopsy of the prostate. The device therefore uses only three degrees-of-freedom of movement in order to obtain the biopsy samples. Additionally, the ultrasound wand can be used to generate a three-dimensional image of the prostate.