3D Biopsy Plan Optimization for Prostate Tumor Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current prostate biopsy methods, such as systematic extended sextant biopsies, lack a clear geometric definition and are not optimized for individual patients, leading to low sensitivity and high rates of false negatives due to subjective interpretation and non-uniform sampling.
Innovation Solution
A method for generating a three-dimensional biopsy plan that calculates the probability of tumor detection and determines the number and length of biopsy cores required, using a computer-readable medium to optimize core placement and direction based on prostate geometry and tumor size, with a capsule model representing biopsy cores and tumors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If systematic extended sextant biopsy plan is used, then uniform sampling coverage is achieved, but sensitivity and detection accuracy deteriorate due to subjective interpretation and clustering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D cross-sectional biopsy planning to 3D volumetric biopsy planning. The system reconstructs the prostate gland in three dimensions and optimizes core trajectories through volumetric analysis, allowing precise positioning of biopsy cores in 3D space to avoid clustering and improve tumor detection accuracy while maintaining uniform coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes multiple parameters including core number (6, 8, 10, 12, 14, or 16 cores), core length (15-30mm), and core trajectories to maximize detection probability. The system calculates optimal parameter combinations based on individual patient anatomy and tumor characteristics, moving away from fixed standardized protocols.
2Ease of operation
If standardized 12-core extended sextant plan is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to lack of individual patient optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary 3D reconstruction and simulation of optimal biopsy plans before actual biopsy execution. By pre-calculating the best core trajectories and positions based on individual patient anatomy and suspected tumor locations, the system ensures reliable detection while maintaining operational simplicity during the actual procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a 3D digital model (copy) of the patient's prostate gland from imaging data. This virtual model allows optimization and simulation of biopsy plans without affecting the actual patient, enabling reliable individualized planning that can be easily transferred to clinical execution.
3Measurement precision
If more biopsy cores are used, then tumor detection probability is improved, but detection of insignificant tumors increases leading to overtreatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different sampling strategies to different regions of the prostate based on tumor risk. High-risk regions (peripheral zone, areas with suspicious MRI findings) receive more intensive sampling with additional cores, while low-risk regions use standard sampling. This localized approach improves detection of significant tumors while reducing unnecessary detection of insignificant lesions in low-risk areas.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a method for calculating tumor detection probability of a biopsy plan and for generating a 3D biopsy plan that maximizes tumor detection probability. A capsule shaped volume is modeled to represent the volume that a biopsy core may sample. An optimization method is used to generate a 3D biopsy plan that maximizes probability of tumor detection for predefined biopsy core numbers and length. Risk of detecting insignificant tumors, also determined by size, and probability of a false negative result is automatically calculated. The present invention also includes a method to determine number and length of biopsy cores required for individual patients determined by the balance of the insignificant/significant probability of detection, prostate size and shape, based upon the previously explained 3D biopsy plan generation method.