New 3-D printed, air-powered, biopsy robot that can collect sample inside MRI unveiled

The University of Twente revealed its latest version of world’s most accurate 3D-printed biopsy robot during the Surgical Robot Challenge at the international Hamlyn Symposium in London. The robot is named Sunram 5 and is faster and accurate than its previous self.

Today, most breast biopsies are performed by handheld needles under sonographic guidance, based on previous radiological films. But, many a time the needle placement is not perfect because what was seen on MRI or mammography may look quite different on sonography. Coupled with human error, this may create serious problems such as a malignant lesion may be reported as benign.

MRI scanners are unparalleled in terms of locating lesions, and it would be perfect if a biopsy is taken under their guidance. This would though require a robot small enough to fit beside the patient under MRI robot that could fit. The robot should also be made of a material not influenced by strong magnetic field created by MRI.

Researchers at the Twente University, Netherlands, have tailor-made a robot to above specification. The robot is very small and easily fit under the breast compression device. It is powered by air pressure maintained through external pumps, which also enables it to be under operator control. It is made up of hard plastic except for the MR-conditional needle itself.

The dual speed motors in the updated model have improved the speed so as the robot can reach its target location in about 10 seconds. In case of any technical mishap, a safety mechanism in the device retracts the needle from the breast.

Here is the video showing how the new robot works.

University of Twente press release

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World smallest, most accurate, MRI compatible robot for precise breast cancer biopsy unveiled.

Robots have already carved out a space in health industry and have revolutionized the way the healthcare is delivered round the world- from nanobots that scrape the arterial walls to remove plaque to Blue-Collar Robots that roam around in hospitals performing menial tasks.

The researchers at University of Twente have launched the smallest, accurate 3D printed plastic robot compatible to be used in MRI scanner. The robot is aptly named The Stormram 4, and is used to perform biopsy during a breast cancer scan in an MRI, significantly improving the precision and accuracy. When implemented into clinical practice, it enables very early and precise detection and treatment of breast cancer and has the capacity to  save thousands of lives.  

MRI scanners are the current norm for the extremely accurate detection and anatomical localization of the abnormal tissue. But, currently there is no way to take a biopsy from the tissue in real time. Instead scans are taken prior to the biopsy that helps the movement and direction of the needle for taking a tissue sample. Soft tissues like breast allows for significant tissue movement and the mass can be displaced since the last scan.

The Stormram 4, is made up of 3D printed plastic and is driven by air pressure. It is small enough to fit the MRI scanner’s tunnel and is controlled by 5-meter-long air pipes outside the scanner. The 3D printed robot is capable of accurately maneuvering a needle tip near the lesion, within a range of a few millimeters, a level of precision which would be very difficult if not impossible for a human hand to achieve.

It recently competed and won an award in the Surgical Robot Challenge 2017 at the Hamlyn Symposium in London.

The Stormram 4 project was carried out by Vincent Green House MSc, Dr. Françoise Siepel and Prof. Stefano Stramigioli of the Robotics and Mechatronics (RAM) lab at the University of Twente.

This video from the University of Twente shows off the new robot.

 Photo Courtesy: University of Twente