Transperineal Prostate Biopsy System with Template Grid Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current prostate biopsy methods under transrectal ultrasound guidance suffer from poor spatial resolution, invasiveness, increased risk of infection, and the need for expensive tracking devices for image fusion, limiting the accuracy and efficiency of cancer diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A transperineal prostate biopsy system utilizing a 3D ultrasound probe with template grids fixed relative to the ultrasound probe support, enabling sensorless fusion of ultrasound and MRI images, and allowing for needle guidance without external tracking devices, thereby improving accuracy and reducing invasiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guidance is used for prostate biopsy, then real-time imaging and prostate boundary visualization are achieved, but spatial resolution is poor and cancer detection sensitivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines preoperative high-resolution MRI images with intraoperative ultrasound images through image fusion technology. The MRI provides detailed anatomical information and cancer location, while the ultrasound provides real-time guidance. This merging of imaging modalities allows accurate cancer detection with real-time imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs MRI imaging and segmentation before the biopsy procedure to create a three-dimensional model of the prostate with cancer locations marked. This preliminary action allows the intraoperative ultrasound to be fused with pre-acquired high-resolution images, improving cancer detection sensitivity without compromising real-time guidance.
2Measurement precision
If image fusion with preoperative MRI is performed to improve cancer diagnosis accuracy, then target identification accuracy is improved, but the procedure becomes more invasive and infection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of inserting the ultrasound probe into the rectum (TRUS), the patent uses transperineal ultrasound where the probe remains outside the body on the perineal skin surface. This inversion of the approach path eliminates rectal insertion while maintaining image fusion capability with preoperative MRI through coordinate system transformation and sensorless registration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the patient's own perineal skin surface as the interface for probe placement, eliminating the need for rectal insertion. The transperineal approach uses natural anatomical landmarks and skin surface geometry for probe positioning and image registration, making the procedure less invasive while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If electromagnetic tracking devices are used for US-MRI fusion, then image fusion accuracy is improved, but system cost increases and the imaging process becomes more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the electromagnetic tracking device from the system entirely. Instead of using external trackers, the system uses the physical geometry of the probe and its support structure, combined with sensorless image registration algorithms that match anatomical landmarks between ultrasound and MRI images, achieving accurate fusion without additional tracking hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic tracking system with a mechanical reference system based on the physical geometry of the probe support and template grid. The known spatial relationships between these mechanical components are used for coordinate transformation and image registration, substituting complex electromagnetic tracking with simpler geometric referencing.
4Adaptability or versatility
If an endorectal probe is placed for imaging, then the entire prostate is accessible for needle insertion, but the procedure becomes more invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by placing the probe externally on the perineum rather than internally in the rectum. This transperineal approach maintains the ability to image and guide needles to the entire prostate by using the perineal skin surface as the acoustic window, eliminating rectal insertion while preserving procedural versatility.
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 approach enhances the accuracy and efficiency of prostate cancer diagnosis, reduces the risk of infection, and eliminates the need for external tracking devices, providing a less invasive and cost-effective method for prostate biopsy.
Implementation Method 1
obtain transperineal ultrasound images
Data Source
AI summary
Prostate biopsy systems are provided that include a 3D ultrasound probe support configured to receive an ultrasound probe for transperineal imaging. One or more template grids can have a plurality of apertures extending therethrough to receive and guide a biopsy needle along a trajectory associated with respective apertures when the template grid is fixed to the support and the biopsy system is positioned in the perineal area of a patient. Patient-specific template grids can also be developed and produced. This system enables fully transperineal prostate biopsy (i.e. both imaging and needle placement are perineal) and eliminates the need for an external racking device for image fusion as well as needle tracking. In addition, it reduces the infection risk associated to transrectal approach.