A wearable prostate coil has been designed to be similar to wearing a diaper; this specialized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device positions the multiple antenna elements as close as possible to the target anatomies regardless of patient size.

The latest product in ScanMed of Resonance Innovations, LLC’s (Omaha, NE, USA) coil product range is the PROCURE (Prostate, Rectum, Ovaries, Cervix, Uterus, Reproductive) coil. The PROCURE features a lightweight SemiFlex design that facilitates easy and accurate positioning. The enclosure for the antenna set comprises flexible liquid impermeable, biocompatible materials. Accompanying this device are disposable liners so that the coil can be easily changed between patients.

This phased array coil can be configured to operate with an endorectal probe and also accommodates current biopsy systems. ScanMed’s streamlined design offers improved signal to noise ratio (SNR) and uniformity that is needed for today’s more aggressive protocols.

“There is an increase in the use of multiparametric prostate MRI, as more and more urologists realize its significant value for early diagnosis,” stated Dr. Jelle Barentsz, professor of radiology at the Radboud Prostate MR-Reference Center (The Netherlands). “The prostate, however, is an organ that is located deep in the pelvis. Its distance to the surface is posteriorly, anteriorly, and caudally significant. Therefore, a special coil needs to be developed for optimal signal reception. The PROCURE has elements that also receive signal from the caudal part of the prostate. Its design therefore is unique. Initial results show an increased SNR compared to standard coils. Thus this coil potentially can visualize the prostate with improved resolution at same imaging time.” Currently stationed in the Netherlands, Dr. Barentsz has become a leading specialist in prostate MRI worldwide.

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