“The Fusion Bx makes targeted procedures faster and easier to perform. It has opened the door to IRE treatment, allowing me to confidently place needles and electrodes with accuracy and speed.”
– Dr. Nam, ClearPoint Surgical, Canada
Third Party Integration Workflow
See how the Fusion Bx seamlessly integrates with third party devices from diagnosis to treatment.
* Outcome is reviewed by the radiologist
** Optional step
DIAGNOSE
The MRI is read in Fusion MR Viewer, where the radiologist manually contours the prostate and suspicious regions of interest (ROIs). Since the MRI reading workflow can be labor intensive, AI software* such as DeepHealth (previously Quantib Prostate) or Lucida Pi can streamline the process with automatic segmentation. The result is a series of annotated MR images that are electronically stored and shared using PACS.
If the MRI is negative, patients may avoid biopsy. If the MRI is positive, it provides an action plan for biopsy.
During biopsy, the images are fused with live ultrasound to create a 3D model of the prostate. Using the 3D navigation, physicians can quickly and accurately target ROIs. The results are reviewed using either MRI viewing software to determine next steps. If negative, patients may have options like active surveillance or watchful waiting.
PLAN
If positive, the biopsy results, combined with other risk factors such as PSA levels and family history help identify candidates for focal therapy. Tools such as Unfold AI** can support physicians in the decision process by providing predictive data on tumour severity, extent and treatment margins.
TREAT
Patients qualifying for focal therapy may have the option of Sonablate HIFU or Nanoknife IRE. Unlike prostatectomy and radiation, focal therapy is minimally invasive and minimizes damage to non-cancerous tissue. This gives patients the best chance at preserving urinary and sexual function.
HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound)
The results from the fusion biopsy are exported from Fusion MR or Unfold AI** and uploaded to the Sonablate system for targeting. The Sonablate system fuses the MR images with ultrasound to plan and perform the treatment.
IRE (Irreversible Electroporation)
The Fusion Bx facilitates the IRE procedure, similar to biopsy, using its 3D navigation system to accurately place the electrodes. The distance between electrodes is inputted into the Nanoknife system to calculate the intensity and duration of the pulses.
Learn more about the Fusion Bx workflow