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Published on: March 21, 2025
Preliminary Evaluation of a MRI-compatible Modular Robotic System for MRI-guided Prostate Interventions
Sang-Eun Song1, Nathan Cho, Junichi Tokuda
1National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center for Computer-Integrated Surgical System and Technology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, US.
Summary
A new MRI-compatible robotic system for prostate cancer interventions shows promise. While initial tests revealed a directional error in needle insertion, patient trials indicate successful integration into clinical settings.
Area of Science:
- Medical Robotics
- Image-Guided Therapy
- Prostate Cancer Treatment
Background:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) guided robotic interventions are emerging for prostate cancer care.
- Existing systems face challenges that necessitate further development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a pneumatically actuated, MRI-compatible modular robotic system for transperineal prostate interventions.
- To assess the system's performance in a clinical context.
Main Methods:
- A modular robotic system was designed and built for MRI-guided prostate interventions.
- System evaluation involved a needle insertion experiment with a prostate phantom and patient mockup trials.
Main Results:
- The needle insertion experiment demonstrated a consistent directional error, requiring further investigation.
- Patient mockup trials indicated that the robotic system and its procedures are well-integrated and implementable in a clinical environment.
Conclusions:
- The developed modular robotic system shows potential for MRI-guided prostate interventions.
- Further refinement is needed to address observed needle insertion inaccuracies before widespread clinical adoption.
