UroNav Fusion Prostate Biopsy System
Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancer in males. This disease affects the prostate gland, which is located under the bladder and in front of the rectum. It helps produce semen and allows for sperm to move more effectively, along with several other functions such as protecting sperm. When cancer develops in the prostate, they invade the healthy tissues and multiply at a faster than regular cells. If a diagnosis is made in early stages while the cancer is confined only to the prostate gland, the disease can usually be treated very effectively. Therefore, quick diagnosis is very important.
The UroNav fusion biopsy system from Invivo is an advanced new method of prostate cancer screening. It was designed to provide a much more comprehensive view of the prostate gland than what has been previously available. It provides a “gps roadmap” to your prostate. This FDA approved technology combines magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with ultrasound for optimal real-time imaging to more extensively explore any abnormal areas of the prostate and obtain detailed visualization of any suspicious lesions.
Diagnosing Prostate Cancer
Annual screening for prostate should begin between the ages of 45-50. This will typically include a physical examination, a digital rectal exam, urinalysis and prostate specific antigen test, or PSA. If a male starts exhibiting abnormal symptoms including difficulty urinating, blood in urine, pelvic pain, he should also be evaluated for prostate cancer. When these methods of screening suggest the possibility of prostate cancer, a biopsy will be performed. A biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a tissue sample is removed for microscopic examination by a pathologist to determine the presence or extent of cancer. Prostate biopsy is generally performed under sedation.
UroNav Fusion Biopsy Benefits
Traditionally, prostate biopsies have been very imprecise and tissue samples are taken randomly using ultrasound. The technology is not as precise, therefore, it is possible to miss cancer cells in the confines of a traditional prostate biopsy. This can lead to a delay in diagnosis and the loss of critical treatment time. In contrast, the UroNav fusion biopsy system can locate suspicious areas with a much greater accuracy as well as cover a wider section of the prostate than a traditional ultrasound based biopsy. These combined can significantly increase the likelihood of detection of a tumor in the prostate. It also provides a multi-dimensional view for meticulous targeting of the entire region of interest in which a suspicious lesion is located, enabling the surgeon to obtain a tissue sample directly from the spot where the cancerous cells may be present. This provides a more comprehensive biopsy.
UroNav Fusion Biopsy Procedure
The UroNav fusion biopsy system employs both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound to obtain a detailed view of the prostate gland. An MRI is performed prior to the procedure, and the images are analyzed by computer. The images are then used to identify specific abnormal regions of the prostate that may emerge as abnormal, to narrow down the area to be biopsied. These are called regions of interest. The ultrasound will help guide the surgeon in performing the biopsy, incorporating the details provided by the MRI to target the specific abnormalities found within the prostate.
During the procedure, the doctor uses an electro-magnetic navigation system, similar to a GPS device, that is on the patient’s hip to locate the needle position and guide the biopsy. The MRI and ultrasound images are aligned and real-time and visible targets are displayed based on the MRI exam findings. The fusion-guided biopsy can sample areas of the prostate that may not be normally sampled by a standard biopsy, which only samples a small portion of the prostate. The MRI can provide an evaluation of the entire prostate gland, and the diagnostic ability of an MRI exam can be integrated as part of this new fusion biopsy procedure to produce a more comprehensive biopsy.
Through the use of the UroNav fusion biopsy procedure, patients benefit from an accurate assessment and diagnosis of prostate cancer, which helps doctors to create customized treatment plans for their individual needs. This can also help to identify prostate cancer earlier which can allow for earlier detection and treatment.