Prostate scanning

SeeDOS Ltd provide Medical Ultrasound Scanners and Transducers.

This ultrasound equipment has a worldwide reputation as the leader in prostate ultrasound, both for diagnostic purposes and ultrasound-guided interventional procedures. We offer several specially designed transrectal probes for prostate scanning.

Multiplane views of the prostate
Our prostate transducers feature broad bandwidths, giving you detailed imaging throughout the required depth.

Typical for these transducers (8808, 8658, 8551) is the ability to image the prostate in more than one plane. With the 8808, you can even view the image live in both the transverse and longitudinal planes at the same time.

This allows you to visualize any area of the prostate that you may wish to target for biopsy. It also makes volume studies much easier, helping you determine whether biopsy will be necessary.

3-D reveals spatial relationships
With our optional 3-D package, spatial relationships become even more tangible. The image cube can be rendered, rotated, tilted and sliced to produce any imaginable cut plane, and it can be reviewed by you and your colleagues at your convenience.

3-D gives you significant advantages for precise volume studies and for possible evaluation of tumour penetration outside the prostate. Colour Doppler shows all the vascular structures in the prostate.

Harmonic imaging enhances your view
Most B-K Medical prostate probes are capable of tissue harmonic imaging (True Echo Harmonics™) as a supplement to the conventional ultrasound image. The harmonic view will typically show enhanced contrast and gray tone differentiation. Added to the conventional image, this can give you a better basis for your diagnosis.

Biplane imaging is the key
B-K Medical has been the market leader in ultrasound-guided brachytherapy for many years. Our type 8658 transverse and sagittal biplane transducer was specially developed for seed implantation in the prostate gland.

The 8658 is used together with a stepping unit and matrix template to guide needle placement during seed implantation. The 8658 switches effortlessly between transverse and longitudinal views at the touch of a button on the transducer handle. This makes it much easier to monitor the placement of each needle.

The 8658's unique long linear crystal array makes it possible to view the entire prostate, from base to apex, in a single image.

The 8658 is also the perfect choice for use during high dose rate therapy (HDR).

Brachytherapy refers to a range of cancer treatment techniques that involve placing radioactive seeds or sources either in, or a short distance from, a tumour. These seeds emit a high radiation dose to the tumour while reducing the radiation exposure in the surrounding healthy tissues.

Brachytherapy has emerged as an effective, relatively low-cost treatment for certain cancers, resulting in low morbidity and good patience tolerance. Transrectal ultrasound scanning is used to guide seed placement within the prostate gland. The ability of transducers to image in both transverse and sagittal planes contributes to the accuracy of the brachytherapy technique.

Prostate Brachytherapy is a valid alternative to Radical Prostatectomy and External Beam radiotherapy for localised prostate cancer.

The 8848 transducer delivers confidence in precise prostate brachytherapy. Simultaneous biplane imaging (sagittal and transverse view), provides better orientation during needle placement and greater confidence in source placement in the prostate gland.

Methods of prostate brachytherapy:
• Low Dose Permanent Seed Implantation or
• High Dose Rate (HDR) temporary brachytherapy

Low dose permanent
Permanent seed implants involve injecting a number of radioactive seeds into the prostate gland. They give off their radiation at a low dose rate over several weeks or months. The seeds remain in the prostate gland permanently.

High dose rate (HDR) temporary
HDR temporary brachytherapy involves placing tiny plastic catheters into the prostate gland to facilitate radiation treatments. A computer-controlled machine injects single, highly radioactive iridium seeds and controls the duration that the seed should remain in the catheters. This technique makes it possible to control the dose in different regions of the prostate. The tumour can then be given a higher dose than the unaffected areas of the gland, sparing the rectum and urethra radiation exposure. Modifying the dose is a major advantage of temporary versus permanent seed implantation. Once the catheters are removed, no radioactive material is left in the prostate gland.

Planning seed placement with VariSeed Interface
VariSeed™ 8.0 is brachytherapy seed planning software, which provides clear visibility of the positions of individual seeds during permanent seed implantation. VariSeed™ is offered as an integrated piece of our brachytherapy solution, and provides seamless workflow with unsurpassed imaging capabilities.

Beneficial features of VariSeed™ 8.0 include:
• Easier contouring and volume measurements
• Identical images displayed on the scanner and computer
• Automatic calibration
• A zoom function that retains calibration
• Image and contouring information transfer

To learn more about the benefits of VariSeed click here

All the tools needed for brachytherapy
A transducer is used together with a stepping unit and a matrix template to guide needle placement during seed implantation during brachytherapy.

• Flex Focus scanner with the 8848 , or the Falcon Premium scanner with the 8658
• Stepper (Civco classic, or Civco EXII tracked).
• Matrix template
• template interface (available on Flex Focus)