A new spin-off from the University of Twente (UT) called Machnet Mechanical Robotics is working on a robot for mri-guided biopsies. The application is initially aimed at taking biopsies in early-stage breast cancer.
The robot is based on research by Stefano Stramigioli, a professor of Advanced Robotics working on the development of medical robots. Stramigioli, together with Françoise Siepel and Vincent Groenhuis, developed the technology behind the biopsy robot, which has now been patented. From the company Machnet, president Abe van der Werf is involved. He came into contact with the researchers several years ago and sees opportunities to develop and market the robot in cooperation with UT.
Precise positioning
"This mri-compatible robotic technology enables the radiologist to position a biopsy or treatment needle in a very precise way. The role of mri in diagnostics is increasing and personalised treatment plans for patients require increasingly accurate diagnostics," explains Jeroen Veltman, radiologist at Ziekenhuisgroep Twente and closely involved in the initiative. "This new development gives all kinds of opportunities to improve care. Besides applications for the breast, we expect that, for example, mri-guided prostate diagnostics and treatment or mri-guided vascular interventions will also benefit."
Using a robot to perform biopsies offers several advantages claim the parties involved. For example, the robot makes it possible to:
- perform accurate ultrasound-guided biopsies without using multiple more expensive and time-consuming mri-scans;
- perform ultrasound-guided biopsies for abnormalities that cannot normally be seen on ultrasound images;
- perform biopsies faster and more accurately;
- perform biopsies with less patient discomfort;
- reduce the number of over-diagnoses and thus the number of over-treatments.
Combining ultrasound and mri images into 3D model
The biopsy robot combines MRI images with ultrasound into a 3D model. Among other things, this helps doctors accurately determine the location of a biopsy needle in the human body and the route of the needle. An important additional benefit is that fewer MRI images are needed to perform biopsies, which provides cost benefits.
"The biopsy robot combines the advantages of the systems we already have," Stramigioli explained in January in an interview with HealthMatters Magazine by Siemens Healthineers. "An mri is expensive but very precise, allowing a doctor to puncture exactly the tissue he or she needs. Echo equipment provides real-time images, allowing a radiologist to see exactly what is happening while taking a biopsy. However, abnormalities are less easy to distinguish on this and are therefore not always recognised. Based on the 3D model, a radiologist can take a biopsy very accurately and make a diagnosis with almost 100% certainty."
Expertise centre for robotics in radiology
Machnet Medical Robotics is being set up as the Twente centre of expertise for the development of robotic applications in radiology. This ties in with UT's TechMed Centre, which develops and implements new surgery and treatment techniques together with medics, technical doctors, engineers and entrepreneurs. Earlier, UT set up a research and education programme together with Siemens Healtineers to help medical professionals perform more accurate and successful image- and robot-assisted operations in the future.
Nico Arfman takes charge of the new company as director of Machnet. Arfman: "Over the next few years, we will take the existing prototype to a certified medical device that can be admitted to the medical market. To do this, we are building a team, elaborating the business plan and seeking funding for these next steps. This new venture offers opportunities to develop pioneering applications for radiology together with researchers, students and radiologists."
Both UT and the company Machnet Holding are shareholders in Machnet Mechanical Robotics.
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
Source: University of Twente
Source: Siemens Healthineers
