A one-hand operation gun for transrectal prostate biopsy

Area of Science:

• Medical Devices
• Urology
• Radiology

Background:

• Transrectal prostate biopsy is crucial for diagnosing prostate diseases.
• Current biopsy procedures can be cumbersome, requiring two hands and limiting real-time imaging manipulation.
• A need exists for improved biopsy devices that enhance efficiency and radiologist control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel automatic biopsy device (ABD) for transrectal prostate biopsies.
• To enable single-handed operation of the biopsy device, freeing the other hand for ultrasonic scanner control.
• To assess the efficacy, safety, and diagnostic yield of the new ABD.

Main Methods:

• A new one-handed automatic biopsy device (ABD) was developed.
• Transrectal prostate biopsies were performed on 60 consecutive patients using the ABD under ultrasonic guidance.
• The device allowed for loading, firing, specimen retrieval, depth selection, and multiple sampling via three buttons operated by one hand.

Main Results:

• The ABD facilitated smooth, one-handed operation, freeing the other hand for ultrasonic transducer manipulation.
• A high success rate of 93% (265 of 285 passes) for satisfactory tissue specimens was achieved.
• 100% of patients received definite pathologic diagnoses with no serious complications; minor complications included hematuria (40%) and fever (8.3%).

Conclusions:

• The new automatic biopsy device (ABD) is effective and efficient for transrectal prostate biopsies.
• Single-handed operation enhances radiologist control over both the biopsy device and ultrasonic imaging.
• The ABD offers a safe and effective method for obtaining multiple prostate tissue samples, improving diagnostic capabilities.