Framework for 3D TransRectal Ultrasound

TL;DR

This paper presents a framework for tracking the prostate in 3D transrectal ultrasound images, enabling better spatial control during biopsies and assessing operator performance in biopsy pattern execution.

Contribution

It introduces a novel 3D prostate tracking method in TRUS images and demonstrates its application in evaluating biopsy accuracy by a single operator.

Findings

Successful tracking of prostate in 3D TRUS volumes

Evaluation of biopsy pattern accuracy using the framework

Potential for improved biopsy targeting and training

Abstract

Prostate biopsies are mainly performed under 2D TransRectal UltraSound (TRUS) control by sampling the prostate according to a predefined pattern. In case of first biopsies, this pattern follows a random systematic plan. Sometimes, repeat biopsies can be needed to target regions unsampled by previous biopsies or resample critical regions (for example in case of cancer expectant management or previous prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia findings). From a clinical point of view, it could be useful to control the 3D spatial distribution of theses biopsies inside the prostate. Modern 3D-TRUS probes allow acquiring high-quality volumes of the prostate in few seconds. We developed a framework to track the prostate in 3D TRUS images. It means that if one acquires a reference volume at the beginning of the session and another during each biopsy, it is possible to determine the relationship between the prostate in the reference and the others volumes by aligning images. We used this tool to evaluate the ability of a single operator (a young urologist assistant professor) to perform a pattern of 12 biopsies under 2D TRUS guidance.