An apparatus and method for biopsy and therapy

Abstract

A biopsy and therapy device comprising: a needling unit for holding and inserting a biopsy needle; an imaging module comprising an ultrasound probe and an actuator for moving the probe in a reciprocal action; a first arcuate slide; a second arcuate slide in sliding engagement with the first arcuate slide and a linkage to which the first arcuate slide is mounted; said linkage arranged to move the first and second arcuate slides within a vertical plane; said needling unit mounted to said arcuate slide wherein the first and second arcuate slides are mounted perpendicular to each other so as to rotate the needling unit about respective first and second principal axes.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to the biopsy and therapy of a patient. In particular, the invention relates to methods and apparatus for the automatic conduct of such biopsy and therapy.BACKGROUND[0002]A prostate needle biopsy is recommended when prostate cancer is suspected. It is a surgical procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the prostate gland and examined under the microscope by a pathologist, a doctor specializing in identifying disease through the study of cells, tissues and organs. The procedure takes about 15 minutes and is usually performed by an urologist with the use of a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) probe. With the help of TRUS, a doctor guides a biopsy gun—a hand-held device with a spring-loaded, slender needle—through the wall of the rectum into the area of the prostate gland that appears abnormal.[0003]The rectal wall is thin, so it is possible to place the needle accurately into the abnormal site of the prostate gla...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a biopsy and therapy apparatus that allows the biopsy needling unit to move in both Cartesian and Polar coordinates. This eliminates the need for multiple punctures on the skin, reducing the risk of infection for the patient. The device can be programmed to operate under specific parameters, such as needle insertion point, angle, and depth of penetration, to accurately position the contact point to the desired location, such as a tumour. The device allows for pre-programmed parameters, allowing the imaging unit to track the expected progress of the needle. Overall, the apparatus improves the accuracy and minimizes the risk of the biopsy procedure.

Problems solved by technology

Without having accurate knowledge of the cancer site(s), it is unlikely that a random biopsy protocol will yield consistently high cancer detection rates.2. Inaccurate needling: Although the biopsy is guided by TRUS, it is known that the biopsy needle may not reach the desired position accurately and quickly under manual control.

Multiple insertion points through the walls of the rectum will also increase the chance of infection due to the presence of harmful substances in the rectum.

During therapy, many skin punctures may result during the delivery of radioactive seeds into the prostate.

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