Georgia Urology Physicians Help Use New MRI

Artemis system includes computer-aided detection to assist in biopsies

January 13, 2017 (Atlanta) — Physicians from Georgia Urology, the largest urology practice in the Southeastern United States, have played a vital role as Northside Hospital has become the first in metro Atlanta to use a combination of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound with computer-aided detection — known as the Artemis system — to produce real-time 3-D images of the prostate to see cancer earlier and better track its progression.

Artemis with ProFuse Bx is a 3-D ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy platform from Eigen. The technology allows doctors to see 3-D images of the prostate and guide the needle during biopsy, while mapping the precise location of the tumor (within a millimeter) so that they can return to it later for follow up.

Prostate cancer has the highest incidence rate of all cancers in the state of Georgia and is the second-leading cause of cancer death in American men, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Early detection is the key for men to survive prostate cancer. The relative five-year survival rate for local stage (meaning it has not spread outside of the prostate) prostate cancer is nearly 100 percent, according to ACS. However, the relative five-year survival rate for distant stage (having spread to the lymph nodes, bones or other organs) prostate cancers is about 28 percent.

“New methods are needed to help physicians improve disease staging, select the most appropriate treatment and provide the best long-term follow-up for patients,” said Dr. Mark A. Haber, Georgia Urology’s managing partner, whose areas of expertise include urologic oncology and robotic surgery.

Historically, the most common tools used to evaluate prostate cancer tumors and growth have included ultrasound, MRI and biopsy. When used separately, each of these tools have limitations.

However, when all three are combined, the result is a more accurate diagnosis along with better information regarding the exact location and extent of the disease, providing information that helps doctors and patients both make a smart, individualized choice about prostate cancer management or treatment.

Georgia Urology’s experienced specialists use state of the art diagnostic equipment and advanced treatment techniques, such as Artemis, to manage all urological problems in men, women and children.

Georgia Urology is the largest urology practice in Atlanta and throughout the Southeast. Georgia Urology has 28 locations and six ambulatory surgery centers. The practice is comprised of more than 40 physicians, many of whom are fellowship-trained and hold advanced specialty training in oncology, laparoscopy, infertility, incontinence and pediatrics. Georgia Urology’s physicians use state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and advanced treatment techniques, including robot-assisted technology and minimally invasive procedures, to manage all urological problems in men, women and children. It is the practice’s mission to deliver the highest possible quality of care to all patients and to be the preeminent urology practice in the region.