Prostate Diagnostics: Fusion Biopsy of the Prostate (Artemis®)

An important milestone in this decision-making process is the fusion biopsy of the prostate, which - with the aid of various imaging techniques - enables very accurate identification of suspicious areas in the prostate. The practice network of the Uroviva has decided for such a fusion biopsy with the Artemis device (FA Innomedicus). This is a consistent further development of the standardised ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy  recommended so far. The latter, even when used correctly, only discovers about 50% of the prostate tumours of the male. This may mean multiple biopsies, short-term controls and a not inconsiderable psychological impairment of the quality of life, as the patient is constantly reminded of his problem and possible consequences.

In fusion biopsy of the prostate, MRI images and ultrasound are "fused" (superimposed). The MRI examination is currently probably the best imaging we have available for identifying conspicuous areas in the prostate. With it, we can detect by far the largest number of possible malignant changes in the prostate, locate them precisely and make a statement about the exact size of the finding and the positional relationship. In the case of proven suspicious areas and a decision by the urologist to perform a biopsy, the radiologist processes the MRI images with special software. The image data can then be fed into the Artemis system. The urologist performs a three-dimensional ultrasound examination of the prostate through the rectum and can now "merge" the MRI image with the ultrasound image.  The information from the MRI examination with the suspicious areas within the prostate is transferred to the ultrasound so that millimeter-small foci can be precisely identified and punctured. This may save unnecessary further prostate biopsies and reduce the total number of biopsies, as only the conspicuous areas may be examined. It increases the informative value of the examination and also reduces possible complications through fewer biopsies.

Since the summer of 2016, this type of prostate biopsy has been offered by the Uroviva team as a standard and performed at the Stadelhofen site.