Stepper-Guided Biopsy Procedure
A controlled, ultrasound-guided workflow for systematic prostate biopsy and brachytherapy planning.
The Stepper-Guided Transperineal procedure uses the Smart Stepper Stabiliser to provide stable ultrasound probe positioning and precise needle guidance throughout the procedure. Designed for transperineal prostate biopsy and brachytherapy workflows, the system allows clinicians to perform systematic sampling using controlled probe movement and coordinate-based needle placement.
With real-time ultrasound imaging and a brachy grid, the procedure supports consistent access to planned biopsy targets while maintaining probe stability during the examination.
Stepper-Guided
Procedure
- Patient Preparation
- Local Anaesthesia
- Plan Biopsy Targets
- Needle Placement
- Tissue Sampling
Key Features of the Smart Stepper Stabiliser
Controlled Ultrasound Probe Positioning
Provides stable positioning of the ultrasound probe throughout ultrasound-guided prostate procedures, allowing the clinician to maintain the selected probe position during scanning and tissue sampling.
Linear, Rotational and Vertical Adjustment
Supports controlled forward, backward, rotational and vertical probe movements to obtain optimal ultrasound views and access planned biopsy targets.
Stable Probe Fixation
Locking mechanisms help maintain probe stability during the procedure while allowing repositioning whenever required.
Brachy Grid Compatibility
Designed to support a Brachy Grid for coordinate-based needle placement during stepper-guided transperineal biopsy procedures.
Modular Clinical Design
Features a modular construction for efficient assembly, straightforward operation, and convenient disassembly after use.
Supports Multiple Prostate Procedures
Suitable for ultrasound-guided transperineal prostate biopsy and brachytherapy procedures performed with compatible ultrasound systems and accessories.
Key Components Used During the Stepper-Guided Biopsy Procedure
The Stepper-Guided Transperineal Biopsy procedure combines a precision positioning system, real-time ultrasound imaging, and specialised biopsy instruments to support accurate, systematic tissue sampling. Each component plays a specific role in maintaining probe stability, guiding needle placement, and supporting a consistent biopsy workflow.
Smart Stepper Stabiliser
Provides controlled linear, rotational, and vertical positioning of the ultrasound probe, allowing stable imaging and precise probe adjustments.
View StepperBiplanar Ultrasound Probe
Delivers real-time sagittal and axial ultrasound views of the prostate, helping clinicians visualise anatomy and guide needle placement during the biopsy.
Brachy Grid
A precision-guided template that provides coordinate-based needle entry points for systematic and repeatable sampling across the prostate.
Brachy Balloon
Fits over the ultrasound probe and is filled with sterile water or gel before the procedure to support consistent ultrasound-guided imaging during biopsy.
Stabiliser Arm Assembly
Securely holds the stepper in position and helps maintain probe stability throughout the biopsy while allowing controlled repositioning when required.
Prostate Biopsy Gun
An automatic core biopsy device used to obtain consistent prostate tissue samples through the planned biopsy coordinates.
Biopsy Needle
Introduced through the selected Brachy Grid coordinate to collect tissue cores from the planned biopsy locations under ultrasound guidance.
Spinal Needle
Used for the controlled administration of local anaesthetic into the perineal skin before biopsy sampling begins.
Syringe Prefilled with Ultrasound Gel
Provides sterile ultrasound gel for ultrasound probe preparation and optimal image transmission during the procedure.
Tissue Cassette with Sponge
Securely stores and protects biopsy tissue cores for identification, transport, and pathological examination.
Step-by-Step Stepper-Guided Procedure
Patient Preparation
Position the patient in the lithotomy position and prepare the perineal area using sterile technique before beginning the procedure.
Ultrasound Probe Preparation
Apply sterile ultrasound gel to the ultrasound probe. Fit the Brachy Balloon over the probe and fill the balloon with sterile water or saline .
Mount the Probe & Brachy Grid
Secure the ultrasound probe onto the Smart Stepper Stabiliser. Attach the Brachy Grid to the stepper, ensuring the grid is aligned axially with the ultrasound probe before imaging begins.
Open the Stepper-Guided Biopsy Box
Open Global Prostate Solutions’ sterile Stepper-Guided Biopsy Box and arrange the required sterile components within the sterile field, including the Biopsy Gun, Syringe with Gel, Spinal Needle, Brachy Grid, and Brachy Balloon.
Local Anaesthesia
Use the Spinal Needle to infiltrate local anaesthetic into the perineal skin. Allow 5–10 minutes for the anaesthetic to take effect before proceeding with biopsy sampling.
Access the Targeted Location
Use the Smart Stepper Stabiliser to move the ultrasound probe forward and backward in precise increments, scanning the prostate from the base to the apex for complete gland coverage. Rotate the probe as required to obtain optimal ultrasound views and accurately access different areas of the prostate.
Plan Biopsy Targets
Scan the prostate under ultrasound guidance and identify the planned systematic biopsy zones before needle placement.
Needle Placement
Insert the biopsy needle through the selected Brachy Grid coordinate under ultrasound guidance, ensuring the planned entry point is aligned with the target biopsy zone.
Tissue Sampling
Load the Biopsy Gun and obtain the tissue core from the selected biopsy location. Transfer each biopsy specimen into a labelled tissue cassette for pathological analysis.
Repeat Sampling
Adjust the position of the Smart Stepper Stabiliser as required and repeat tissue sampling through different Brachy Grid coordinates until all planned biopsy cores have been collected.
Technical Specifications
Smart Stepper Stabiliser Specifications
- Device Type
- Mechanical ultrasound probe positioning and stabilisation system.
- Intended Use
- Supports compatible ultrasound probes during ultrasound-guided prostate procedures by providing controlled positioning and stabilisation.
- Clinical Applications
- Transperineal prostate biopsy and brachytherapy procedures.
- Probe Positioning
- Controlled linear, rotational and vertical probe adjustment with position locking during the procedure.
- System Components
- Mobile base, height-adjustable column, articulated arm assembly, stepper mechanism, and probe mounting assembly.
- Compatible Accessories
- Brachy Grid, Brachy Balloon, compatible ultrasound probes, and associated biopsy accessories.
- Operation
- Manual mechanical positioning with secure locking and repositioning during the procedure.
- Design
- Modular construction for efficient setup, reliable clinical operation, and convenient disassembly after use.
Designed for Controlled Probe Positioning During Prostate Procedures
View StepperFrequently Asked Questions
What is a Stepper-Guided Prostate Biopsy procedure?
It is an ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy performed using a Smart Stepper Stabiliser and Brachy Grid to support controlled probe positioning and systematic needle placement.
Why is a Brachy Grid used during the procedure?
The Brachy Grid provides coordinate-based guidance, allowing accurate and repeatable needle placement across the planned biopsy locations.
What is the role of the Brachy Balloon?
The Brachy Balloon is fitted over the ultrasound probe before the procedure and prepared with sterile water or gel for ultrasound-guided imaging.
Is the procedure performed under local anaesthetic?
Yes. Local anaesthetic is administered into the perineal skin before tissue sampling begins, following institutional protocol.
How are biopsy samples collected during the procedure?
A biopsy needle is inserted through the selected Brachy Grid coordinate, and the Biopsy Gun is used to obtain tissue cores under real-time ultrasound guidance.
What happens to the tissue samples after the biopsy?
Each tissue core is placed into a labelled tissue cassette and sent for pathological analysis.