Innovative Fusion Imaging System for Prostate Cancer: Maximum diagnostic accuracy and safety

03 May 2017

An innovative fusion imaging system has been installed at the HYGEIA Hospital General Ultrasounds Department, offering superior quality healthcare services for prostate cancer.

The method combines the functionality and ease of ultrasounds with the objective accuracy of transverse imaging methods (CT & MRI). Specifically, it introduces images from a previous multiparametric prostate MRI scan to a specially equipped and designed ultrasound device. With the use of a special electronic navigation system, the inserted images are accurately linked to the real-time images during the ultrasound exam. This way, doctors can better assess the diagnostic data, since both the ultrasound frame and the corresponding MRI frame depicting the same anatomical position are displayed next to each other on the screen.

This method also provides the option of placing the needle accurately and safely during ultrasound-guided prostate biopsies, given that the corresponding MRI image provides additional guidance.

The Director of the HYGEIA & MITERA General Ultrasounds Department, Mr Georgios Zacharopoulos, noted, “In the context of the continuous efforts expended by HYGEIA Group to offer medical services using the most advanced, latest technology diagnostic systems, the General Ultrasounds Department has been equipped with a state-of-the-art ultrasound system. The installation of the hybrid imaging system ensures superior quality diagnosis. Especially with regard to prostate cancer diagnosis, a field where our Department has been setting the pace in Greece for a number of years, this new technology may diagnose up to 30% more clinically significant prostate cancer cases. At the same time, the system assists us in increasing patient safety, as it reduces the number of unnecessary biopsies.”