Urology Specialists of Austin offers the Navigo 4D Fusion Navigation System

Our practice takes great care to bring you the best possible diagnostic and treatment options that offer maximum results, which is why we use the Navigo 4D Fusion Navigation System to perform MRI guided fusion biopsies of the prostate.

What Is an MRI-US Prostate Fusion Procedure?

In an MRI-US prostate fusion procedure using Navigo, MRI images of the prostate are “fused” with real-time ultrasound images to collect a highly accurate biopsy specimen. This powerful system ultimately leads to better biopsy results for us to plan treatment, and better outcomes for you.

Advantages of MRI Prostate Fusion Biopsy

More precise biopsy specimens.
Navigo enables our urology team to pinpoint suspicious tissues and collect highly accurate biopsy specimens. This ultimately supports a more accurate diagnosis, equipping us with a clear picture of the best treatment path forward. In fact, studies have shown that targeted biopsies like Navigo are two to three times more sensitive to prostate cancer than standard biopsies.1

Adapts to patient movement.
Many patients have trouble sitting perfectly still during prostate biopsies. Our patients appreciate Navigo’s one-of-a-kind ability to compensate for patient movement in real time. This adaptability also makes it easier for us to perform a successful biopsy and shortens the procedure time.

More convenient scheduling.
Many urology teams don’t have biopsy equipment in-house. This often leaves patients waiting a long time and paying higher out of pocket costs to get the procedure in a hospital or surgery center. Navigo allows us to perform your prostate biopsy right in our office in as little as 15 minutes, so you can get quicker results at lower cost.

How to Know If You’re a Good Candidate for MRI Prostate Fusion

You might be a good candidate for MRI prostate fusion if you are at an elevated risk of prostate cancer due to:

• Elevated PSA levels. You had a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, and results showed higher-than-normal levels. However, please note that not all elevated PSA levels indicate cancer.
• Abnormal digital rectal exam (DRE) results. You had a physical exam of the prostate gland and received abnormal results.

Other considerations also put you at higher risk such as:

• Family history of prostate cancer. You have a close relative diagnosed with prostate cancer, such as a father, brother, or son.
• Genetics. You have an inherited gene mutation that can increase the risk of prostate cancer, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2.
• Race/ethnicity. You are of Black or African descent.
• Age. You are over the age of 50.
• Obesity. If you are obese, several interconnected factors associated with obesity can increase the risk of prostate cancer, such as hormonal imbalances or chronic inflammation.2
• Other exposures. You may be at increased risk if you’ve been exposed to various environmental factors, such as toxic chemicals, or partake in certain lifestyle choices, such as smoking.

Why You Should Consider MRI Prostate Fusion

Comfort.
Prostate biopsies can be an uncomfortable ordeal, but Navigo makes the procedure so precise that it causes no lasting impact on the body aside from temporary soreness and discomfort.

Accuracy.
With Navigo, you can feel confident that we’re precisely targeting any suspicious areas for biopsy, making it more likely that we’ll detect high-grade prostate cancers. In one study comparing MRI-targeted biopsies with standard ultrasound biopsies, MRI-guidance delivered 93% sensitivity in detecting clinically significant high-grade cancer, while standard biopsies only detected 48%.1

Affordability.
Because Navigo gives us the ability to perform the procedure in-office rather than the hospital, that usually results in cost savings for patients. In addition, insurance typically covers the MRI and Navigo biopsy.

Potential to reduce the need for repeat biopsies.
The Navigo 4D Fusion Navigation System increases the chances of obtaining accurate results the first time, potentially reducing the likelihood of needing to visit the clinic for another biopsy.

Preservation of your sample.
SmartBx, a key part of the Navigo system, helps protect tissue samples during transport to the lab, preserving the specimen and enhancing the accuracy of your results. Studies have shown that without a solution like SmartBx, up to 40% of the tissue is never analyzed due to loss during transfer.3

The Navigo 4D Fusion Navigation System in Action

Watch the video below for a step-by-step demonstration of the Navigo procedure.

If you’d like to learn more about the Navigo 4D Fusion Navigation System and prostate biopsies, we encourage you to speak with your urologist or visit uc-care.com. 

Sources:

1. The Lancet Vol 389 February 25, 2017 (PROMIS Study). Diagnostic accuracy of multi-parametric MRI and TRUS biopsy in prostate cancer (PROMIS): a paired validating confirmatory study Marks L, Young S, Natarajan S. MRI-ultrasound fusion for guidance of targeted prostate biopsy. Curr Opin Urol. 2013;23(1):43-50.
2. Parikesit D, Mochtar CA, Umbas R, Hamid ARAH. The impact of obesity towards prostate diseases. Prostate International. 2016;4(1):1-6. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prnil.2015.08.001
3. 2015 American Urology Association Conference Presentation.