MRI-Ultrasound Fusion Prostate Biopsy at Nuffield Health at St Bartholomew's Hospital

What is an MRI-Ultrasound fusion prostate biopsy?

An MRI-Ultrasound fusion prostate biopsy uses fusion software, electromagnetic tracking technology and an ultrasound probe to get a clear picture of the prostate. This allows your urologist to target specific areas in the prostate that may contain cancerous cells accurately. 

The difference between an MRI-Ultrasound fusion prostate biopsy and a traditional biopsy

With MRI-Ultrasound fusion, a vector prostate biopsy can find the specific areas of the prostate where cancer could be present. Traditional biopsies take samples at random which means multiple procedures may be needed. With traditional biopsy, there is also a higher chance of cancerous cells going unnoticed, which may delay or stop you from getting the right treatment.

Benefits of MRI-Ultrasound fusion prostate biopsy

MRI-Ultrasound fusion vector biopsy uses electromagnetic needle guidance, a needle is inserted through the skin between the anus and the scrotum to collect a sample that is later examined. The tracked needle is monitored in real-time and can, therefore, guide your urologist to pre-contoured target areas of the prostate. Your MRI is directly pre-contoured by an expert radiologist. This makes the procedure highly accurate in detecting potentially cancerous cells.

Its great precision also reduces the number of biopsies you will need, improving your comfort and overall experience. In addition, fewer biopsies also reduce the risk of developing potential complications after your procedure. 

What happens during an MRI-Ultrasound fusion prostate biopsy?

During an MRI-Ultrasound fusion biopsy, you will lie on an examination table while the ultrasound probe is gently placed into your rectum. A local anaesthetic is applied around your prostate for comfort. Your urologist then uses an electromagnetic needle guide to insert a biopsy needle through the numbed skin towards the prostate, accurately collecting tissue samples from targeted areas.

The procedure usually takes 30 minutes.

Is an  MRI-Ultrasound fusion prostate biopsy painful?

You don’t need to worry – the procedure causes no more discomfort than a dental procedure. However, if you do experience any discomfort, your urologist can offer you more local anaesthetic.

The cutting-edge technology used during MRI-Ultrasound fusion vector prostate biopsy

BiopSee, MedCom – is a fusion software that overlays MRI images with ultrasound images in real-time, allowing highly accurate placement of the biopsy needles in the prostate, to target the tumour with exceptional precision.

VitruTRAX, Civco - offers image guidance by tracking the instrument tip using electromagnetic technology and real-time navigation during your biopsy ensuring precision and safety during each procedure. This technology is integrated into the BiopSee system.

Fujifilm – offers high-precision ultrasound imaging and detailed diagnostic information.