A Computerized Simulation for Prostate Needle Biopsy

Abstract

The authors developed an image-guided biopsy simulation system that uses advanced image analysis and computer graphics techniques. First, they reconstruct three-dimensional (3-D) computerized prostate models with accurate 3-D representation of all internal anatomical structures of the prostate. The prostate needle biopsy simulation system is then implemented by an interactive 3-D visualization system with various realistic imaging probes and needles for examination and path planning. They show two specific ways such a simulation system can be used: (a) as a virtual simulation system where a surgeon can sit in front of the computer to plan better needle paths and can practice the actual biopsy procedure before he or she actually performs on a patient and (b) for validating the effectiveness of various biopsy techniques in prostate cancer detection and tumor volume estimation.