ProUroScan System for Mechanical Imaging of Prostate

ProUroCare Medical out of Eden Prairie, MN has been cleared in the US to sell its ProUroScan tactile elasticity imager for visualizing the prostate.

The probe employs mechanical sensors that detect the stiffness of the prostate while it’s palpated, and the data is processed and the prostate displayed on the laptop for the physician to assess.

From the product page:

The system provides an image or record of the pressures that are generated from palpation of the posterior surface of the prostate using a rectal probe. The system’s operation is based on measurement of the stress pattern created when the probe is pressed against the prostate through the rectal wall. Temporal and spatial changes in the stress pattern provide information on the elastic structure of the gland and allow two-dimensional reconstruction of prostate anatomy and visualization of prostate mechanical properties. The prostate image is displayed on a screen that allows physicians to visualize tissue abnormalities in the prostate gland. In addition to the real time visual image, the results are stored electronically as a digital record.

The ProUroScan System probe is specially designed for the rectal anatomy to minimize patient discomfort. It is ergonomic for the clinician and similar to a traditional DRE for the patient. The probe utilizes highly sensitive pressure sensors located on the face of the probe head to palpate the prostate. The probe’s positioning system ensures that the person administering the scan examines the entire surface of the prostate, and assists prostate image construction.

Press release: ProUroCare Medical Receives FDA Clearance for ProUroScan Elasticity Imaging System…

Product page: ProUroScan Prostate Imaging System…