The purpose of this study is to explore whether mathematical and computational modelling techniques can be used to enable anatomical based real-time image registration for guiding prostate biopsies. This would lead to the ability to perform free-hand trans-perineal biopsy without the need for supporting gantries or a biopsy grid placed over the perineum. This will significantly decrease costs of trans-perineal biopsy, reduce the number of puncture sites through the perineal skin - reducing pain and bleeding - and reduce the procedure time. Alongside locally developed local-anaesthetic transperineal biopsy techniques it will allow targeted biopsy to be taken in the outpatient setting, improving patient convenience, and helping health services to meet growing demands on targeted biopsies.
The investigators aim to create a new method of mapping the prostate using free-hand ultrasound, without any additional physical equipment. This may require collaborations with approved International groups with particular skills in relevant mathematical or engineering techniques.
