Prostate biopsy: A more targeted approach

March 15, 2016

The department of urologic oncology at Providence Saint John’s Health Center is proud to introduce a powerful new imaging solution for analysis, planning and targeted biopsy of the prostate. This complete clinical MRI solution for the prostate consists of DynaCAD for Prostate and the UroNav fusion biopsy system - a comprehensive solution which offers a cutting edge imaging option for many patients with elevated and/or rising PSA levels.

Targeted MRI/ultrasound biopsy is poised to become the new standard in prostate care, and Saint John’s Health Center is pleased to offer this powerful solution to our patients. UroNav fuses pre-biopsy MRI images of the prostate with ultrasound-guided biopsy images in real time, for excellent delineation of the prostate and suspicious lesions.

The fusion of the MRI and ultrasound images uses electromagnetic tracking, similar to your car’s GPS system; a tiny tracking sensor attached to the trans-rectal ultrasound probe generates a small, localized electromagnetic field that helps determine the location and orientation of the biopsy device. A sophisticated algorithm maintains the fusion of MRI and ultrasound images, even when the patient moves.

“This allows for accurate, precise and efficient targeted biopsies of lesions suspicious for prostate cancer seen on the MRI. At the same time it allows the urologist to perform systematic biopsies of the prostate in order to sample areas that possibly contain cancer not seen by the MRI. In addition, it is a much shorter procedure than targeted biopsies performed in the actual MRI machine and only requires local anesthesia,” explains Timothy Wilson, M.D., professor and chair of urology and urologic oncology.

Please contact our office at 310-582-7137 to learn if the targeted MRI/ultrasound technology is right for you. Learn more about Providence Saint John's Health Center urologic oncology services and treatments.

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