Standard Biopsy Limitations
The prostate remains the only organ where a blind sampling technique is standard practice. As a result, cancer may be missed entirely, or if detected, it is difficult to determine the extent and severity. This leads to under treatment of men with serious disease and over-treatment of men with indolent disease.
The MRI-Targeted Advantage
Unlike systematic biopsies, MRI-targeted biopsies are targeted and repeatable. They reduce the risk of over-diagnosis and over-treatment, while minimizing the potential for operator error.
Improves Diagnostic Pathway
MRI could be used as a triage test to avoid biopsy if the results are negative, whereas positive results could be used for targeting regions of interest during biopsy.
Improves Diagnostic Technology
Compared to ultrasound, MRI can be considered the “Gold Standard” for visualizing lesions. Using the model as a map and the projected needle path as a compass, physicians can accurately target ROIs in real time.
Take a deeper look at the research here
Why Fusion Bx?
1. Increased Detection Rates
The Fusion Bx has led to higher detection rates by addressing three key sources of inaccuracy during biopsy procedures:
Prostate Deformation
The semi-robotic arm ensures consistent probe pressure on the prostate, minimizing deformation and target errors.
Patient Motion
The probe pivots at the patient’s sphincter for maximum comfort, while automatic motion compensation accounts for minor movements.
Registration
The Fusion Bx uses both rigid and elastic registration to account for changes in the shape and size of the prostate between image acquisition and biopsy procedure.
“Fusion Bx was easily adopted by our clinic. Now, fusion biopsies are a part of our weekly routine.”
– Dr. Winston Barzell, 21st Century Oncology, USA
2. Increased Treatment Options
MRI is the first crucial step of a targeted procedure. Identified regions of interest provide an action plan for biopsy. Positive pathology results can be integrated into third party therapeutic devices to perform focal therapy.*
*The Fusion Bx system may or may not be used to facilitate focal therapy.
