Mechatronic system for in-bore MRI-guided insertion of needles to the prostate: An in vivo needle guidance accuracy study

BackgroundTo present our experiences in initial clinical evaluation of a novel mechatronic system for in-bore guidance of needles to the prostate for MRI-guided prostate interventions in 10 patients. We report accuracy of this device in the context of focal laser ablation therapy for localized prostate cancer. MethodsAn MRI-compatible needle guidance device was developed for transperineal prostate interventions. Ten patients underwent MRI-guided focal laser ablation therapy with device-mediated laser fiber delivery. We recorded needle guidance error and needle delivery time. ResultsA total of 37 needle insertions were evaluated. Median needle guidance error was 3.5 mm (interquartile range, 2.1-5.4 mm), and median needle delivery time was 9 min (interquartile range, 6.5-12 min). ConclusionThis system provides a reliable method of accurately aligning needle guides for in-bore transperineal needle delivery to the prostate. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:48-55. (c) 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.