Initial phantom studies for an office-based low-field MR system for prostate biopsy

Category	Detail
Condition	Prostate cancer
Key Mechanisms	Low-field MRI-guided transperineal biopsy using a single-sided 0.066 T MRI system with navigation software and template calibration for accurate needle targeting
Target Population	Men undergoing prostate cancer diagnosis with elevated PSA or abnormal digital rectal exam
Care Setting	Office-based urology practice

Prostate cancer is highly prevalent with significant mortality in metastatic cases, emphasizing early diagnosis.
Standard TRUS biopsies have limitations including sampling errors and infection risks; transperineal approach reduces infection and improves access.
The Promaxo low-field MRI system enables direct MR-guided transperineal biopsy in an office setting without major facility upgrades.

Use PSA levels and digital rectal examination to identify candidates for biopsy.
Consider MRI imaging to delineate prostate zones and target suspicious lesions.
Employ MRI-ultrasound fusion or direct MRI guidance to improve biopsy accuracy over systematic TRUS.

Perform transperineal biopsy under MRI guidance to reduce infection risk and improve lesion targeting.
Use low-field MRI systems with navigation software and template calibration for precise needle placement.

Monitor biopsy navigation accuracy aiming for less than 5 mm targeting error to detect clinically significant tumors (≥0.5 cm3).

Transrectal biopsies carry risks of infection and sepsis due to rectal contamination.
Metal templates may cause MRI field distortion; plastic templates are preferred.

Men with suspected prostate cancer undergoing biopsy

Low-field MRI-guided transperineal biopsy offers improved targeting accuracy and reduced infection risk in an office setting.

Position patient in lithotomy position with legs around the magnet cart for imaging.
Calibrate biopsy template using fiducial markers visible on MRI to ensure accurate needle trajectory computation.
Use a rigid external pelvic receive coil with mounted template holder to maintain consistent spatial reference during biopsy.
Select plastic templates over metal to avoid MRI field distortion.
Train users to identify fiducials accurately during system use.

Clinical Scorecard: Preliminary Phantom Investigations of a Low-Field MRI System for Prostate Biopsy in an Office Setting