Real-time Imaging Platform for MR Guidance of Prostate Biopsy
MRI guided biopsy in the management of prostate cancer has been promoted as a potentially valuable method. However, real-time MR imaging, which is necessary for monitoring of biopsy progress, presents challenges due to the inefficiency of most MRI methodologies. We are developing a real-time platform for monitoring prostate biopsy procedures using a modified single-shot fast spin-echo sequence (SSFSE) with reduced FOV.
This application uses the 3D Slicer for display and control of the scan plane, communicating with the MRI scanner (a 1.5T GE system) via the OpenIGT Link, through which controls for the scanner and reconstructed images are sent. A product SSFSE sequence was modified for real-time operation. A reduced FOV capability was also included so that the echo-train could be shortened to reduce blurring. The sequence can send raw image data for reconstruction via a vendor supplied Raw Data Server and receive commands to update scan plane orientation through update of real-time variables (RSPs). Alternatively, a third party package (RTHawk – www. heartvista.com) can be employed. The real-time reconstruction module employs functions from the NCIGT fast-imaging library. A special Slicer module that detects biopsy needle position to enable automatic tracking is under development.