This automated system can be used both to perform biopsies and to treat prostate cancer using brachytherapy, which involves inserting radioactive iodine-125 seeds into the patient's prostate to destroy cancer cells. These implants, whose radioactivity decreases gradually and rapidly, remain in place after treatment.
The device consists of a robotic arm, an operating unit (comprising numerous sensors, a camera, a grain storage compartment, and a device for loading grains into the needle), and monitoring software.
Robotic brachytherapy offers many advantages:
For the patient :
- it could help reduce the risk of inflammation by significantly reducing the number of entry points needed for the deposition of grains
- benefit from a more reliable procedure by gaining precision in needle placement
- faster recovery time.
- the duration of the implant could be reduced.
For the radiation oncologist:
- this new mobile system would prevent prolonged exposure to radioactive elements,
- would facilitate the surgical procedure thanks to the adaptability of the robotic arm and control by the supervision software and self-calibration of the device.
More information about the technology:
Download the brochure (English version)
Download the technical data sheet (English version)
This video was produced in partnership with Prof. Rochdi Merzouki from the Cristal laboratory (Polytech’ Lille), Vincent Coelen and Abdelkader BELAROUCI, maturation engineers at SATT Nord, Dr. Pasquier from the University Department of Radiotherapy at the Oscar Lambret Center and the Cristal laboratory, as well as Matthieu Fisichella (thematic expert) and François-Xavier Denimal (business developer) from SATT Nord.