Design of MRI compatible biopsy needle capable of force measurement

Abstract

Prostate biopsy is a gold standard for diagnosing prostate cancer. Clinically, since targeting the biopsy needle to exact positions of the cancer is not easy, multiple sampling technique is generally used. During the biopsy process, a surgeon uses the biopsy needle to perform a prostate puncture under ultrasound guidance and remove a small number of thin strips of prostate tissue for pathological analysis under a microscope to ensure a clear diagnosis of prostate cancer. This paper is about development of a prostate biopsy needle capable of force measurement that can be used in an MRI environment. The needle's body is made of Nitinol, and the Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensor is used to sense the axial force. A unique beam-slot structure is designed to accommodate the FBG sensor and analyzed its performance to improve its force measurement sensitivity.