MRI-Ultrasound Fusion Prostate Biopsy at Parkside Hospital

What is an MRI-Ultrasound Fusion Prostate Biopsy?

After screenings for prostate cancer, if any abnormalities are detected you may need a further diagnostic test.

With a traditional approach, samples are taken at random which means multiple procedures may be needed to find the problem area. This could result in cancerous cells not being detected successfully, which can prevent or delay treatment.

However, combining MRI imaging with ultrasound means that consultants get a clear picture of the prostate and can pinpoint problem areas immediately, resulting with one targeted biopsy rather than multiple random ones.

Benefits of MRI-Ultrasound Fusion

With a fusion approach, this reduces the need for unnecessary procedures and can speed up the time from diagnosis to treatment.

It can also give clear answers, with the combination of images being able to detect the difference between aggressive cancers or slow-growing ones.

How is an MR-Ultrasound Fusion done?

1. First, you will have an MRI taken which your consultant will review for suspicious areas. 
2. Next, an ultrasound will be performed by inserting a small probe into the rectum while under local anaesthetic. 
3. Using the fusion biopsy technology, the MRI and ultrasound images will be combined to pinpoint the problem areas. 
4. A biopsy will then be extracted using a needle, with the sample then being sent off for analysis.

bkFusion

While removing unnecessary steps to the workflow, bkFusion combines MRI and ultrasound images for a crystal clear picture of problem areas, resulting in quick and effective diagnoses, with bkFusion accounting for an 84% positive detection rate for prostate cancer.