EN
IT

Biopsy is a procedure to remove a sample of cells or a piece of tissue from the body for analysis in a laboratory for diagnosing diseases.

It features a technology comprising a robotic feeler and a haptic interface with which an operator can feel – during the duration of the operation – the presence of the tumor in the surgically removed tissue.

Patent Status

PENDING

Priority Number

10201800001108

Priority Date

16/01/2018

License

INTERNATIONAL

Market

The global market for biopsy devices was valued at $ 2.728 million in 2018 and is expected to reach $ 4.310 million by 2026, posting a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period.

Biopsy tests are performed by interventional surgeons, radiologists, and cardiologists.

There are various types of biopsy devices used in the diagnosis of tumors, they are used to study lumps or superficial masses for the diagnosis of cancer.

The significant increase in cancer incidence, the advent of new minimally invasive biopsy procedures, and the increase in public awareness for disease screening are the main factors driving the growth of the biopsy devices market.

Problem

The current medical scenario in the field of tissue analysis supporting biopsy investigations is still anchored to traditional procedures, where the doctor deals entirely and manually with the intraoperative histological examination.

The doctor, through the palpation of the tissue, goes to localize the nodules inserted within them which will be subjected to a thorough scan aimed at assessing whether they are cancerous or not.

The accurate and rapid localization of tumors in the severed tissues becomes of fundamental importance as it can influence the operation in progress.

The robotic platform is part of this framework which aims not only to automate and remotize the process, but also to provide a faster and more reproducible analysis.

Current Technology Limits

Tissue biopsy is the “gold standard” for cancer diagnosis however it is an invasive process.

Another emerging technique for cancer detection is liquid biopsy which represents a promising and non-invasive examination to be performed in addition to tissue biopsies. This evaluates genetic information contained in tumor cells and in their DNA or RNA, present in the circulation, and can provide important information about the tumor, such as the probability of response or relapse after treatment or on the response to therapy. Liquid biopsy is more tolerable than traditional patient biopsy, as well as being more suitable for frequent sampling performed during tumor monitoring.

Currently, the medical application of liquid biopsy is limited to defining the prognosis of breast, colon and prostate cancer, and to determining the treatment of these cancers and non-small cell lung cancer. However, diagnostic performances are still low because not all tumors release detectable cells into the blood.

Killer Application

  • Integrated tissue analysis systems for biopsy investigations

Our Technology and Solutions

Optimize the biopsy analysis, in terms of quality and response, allowing the surgeon to intervene more quickly on the pathology and with reduced and targeted interventions.

This thanks to a telepathology tool (i.e. diagnostics through the application of information technology and telecommunications) consisting of an intraoperative robotic platform and a haptic interface allows the pathologist to enter the operating room alongside the surgeon.

This technology involves the transfer of macroscopic and microscopic digital images through the technology but also a haptic return to palpation.

Advantages

  • Less invasive investigations;
  • Thorough investigations;
  • Timely investigations;
  • Follow-up and monitoring investigations;
  • Quickly share as much information as possible to improve diagnoses;
  • Allowing specialist diagnoses everywhere and, post COVID19, with the least possible contact.

Roadmap

  • The system is the subject of an 18-month MISE-funded PoC project.
Review the Technology
TRL 1
TRL 1
Basic Principles
Basic principles tested
TRL 2
TRL 2
Formulation
Technology concept formulated
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TRL 3
Proof of concept
Experimental proof of concept
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TRL 4
Laboratory Prototype
Technology validated in lab
TRL 5
TRL 5
Prototype tested on pilot-scale/large-scale
Technology validated in relevant environment (industrially relevant environment in the case of key enabling technologies)
TRL 6
TRL 6
Commercial prototype
Technology demonstrated in relevant environment (industrially relevant environment in the case of key enabling technologies)
TRL 7
TRL 7
Real world validation
System prototype demonstration in operational/real-world environment
TRL 8
TRL 8
First complete and commercial product
System complete and qualified
TRL 9
TRL 9
Full commercial application
Actual system proven in commercial environment (competitive manufacturing in the case of key enabling technologies; or in space)

TRL

Team

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