MRI-safe robot for targeted transrectal prostate biopsy: animal experiments

Area of Science:

• Medical robotics
• Image-guided surgery
• Veterinary medicine

Background:

• Prostate biopsies are crucial for diagnosing prostate cancer.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers detailed visualization for targeted biopsies.
• Robotic assistance can enhance precision and safety in minimally invasive procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and safety of an MRI-safe robotic system for assisting MRI-guided transrectal needle placement and biopsy in the prostate.
• To determine the accuracy and precision of robotic assistance in targeting specific locations within the prostate using a canine model.

Main Methods:

• Six healthy adult male beagles underwent robot-assisted MRI-guided transrectal needle placement and biopsy.
• Image-to-robot registration was performed after robot probe placement.
• Radiologists selected targets, and up to six needle placements were performed per dog, with core biopsies analyzed for diagnostic value.

Main Results:

• The robotic system achieved a mean targeting accuracy of 2.58 mm and precision of 1.31 mm (SD).
• All needle placements were successful on the first attempt, with an average biopsy time of approximately 3 minutes.
• The robot minimally impacted MRI image quality, and biopsy samples were suitable for diagnosis. No complications were observed.

Conclusions:

• MRI-targeted transrectal biopsies can be feasibly performed with robotic assistance.
• The developed MRI-safe robotic device shows promise for safe and accurate prostate biopsies in preclinical settings.