Imaging Tool for Prostate Cancer Cleared
The new ei-Nav/Artermis imaging tool has been granted marketing clearance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The system uses advanced technology to provide superior ultrasound imaging of the prostate. The device manufacturer, Artemis, detailed the approval on their website. The product will be introduced next week at the annual meeting of the American Urological Association.
The Artemis system employs proprietary, next generation 3D/4D imaging capabilities. It can enhance existing 2D ultrasound machines commonly used in urologist’s offices. The tool provides visualization of the entire prostate in real time.
This capability is particularly useful during completion of prostate biopsy. The Artemis system can support needle guidance during completion of the procedure. Moreover, the advanced ultrasound capabilities provides mapping guidance for biopsies and creates 3D images with biopsy coordinates that can be used for future procedures, including delivery of radiation therapy.
One function included in the imaging system allows physicians to select a specific location within the prostate for planned biopsy. The included features support completion of tissue procurement with the highest accuracy. Registration technology incorporated into the system then documents the location the biopsy was completed. This allows physicians to either rebiopsy the same location or prevent re-accessing the same location.
Data collected with the Artemis system allows clinicians to monitor changes to the prostate gland over time. This supports optimal treatment planning, as well as disease monitoring over time.
Current systems to biopsy the prostate gland are generally two dimensional. As such, clinicians are blind as tissue specimens are procured and must estimate locations of disease. Information gathered in this manner is less reliable, but yet the only foundation for treatment planning currently available.
The first two clinical sites to deploy the Artemis system are UC San Francisco and the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. The product is available now for other sites to order.
May 9, 2008 Related topics: Product Approval & Certification, New Technology & Innovation, Imaging, Diagnostic, Renal & Urology