Equipment control in a sterile environment using the Gyromouse and a new interface, the user interface (UI) wand.

Providing the surgeon/interventionist with controlling devices that avoid the need for interference of an assistant could enable more direct control and reduce errors due to miscommunication or misinterpretation. Therefore the need for an input device controlling equipment from the sterile environment is high. We evaluated the usability of two hand-held interfaces; an acceleration-sensitive Gyromouse and the User Interface Wand (UI Wand), a new prototype pointing device.

Transrectal ultrasound imaging of the prostate: review and perspectives of recent developments.

We present a critical review of the recent literature and discuss the development and prospective view of the evaluations of transrectal ultrasound with regard to prostate malignancy. We illustrate this with personal experiences. Material and Methods: Based on a critical evaluation of clinical data we address the apparent shortcoming of greyscale transrectal ultrasonography in the assessment of prostate cancer.

Correlation of transrectal ultrasound, computer analysis of transrectal ultrasound and histopathology of radical prostatectomy specimen.

A system for computerised analysis of ultrasonographic prostate images (AUDEX=Automated Urologic Diagnostic EXpert system) for the detection of prostate carcinoma was developed. The ultimate goal is to develop a system that is reliable and non-observer dependent. Results of an earlier study with a small group were encouraging and this study describes the results of the computerised analysis in a larger group.

New developments in ultrasonography for the detection of prostate cancer.

The introduction of contrast agents has changed the diagnostic role of ultrasonography dramatically. Advanced ultrasound techniques, although currently largely unexplored, especially for prostate applications, were introduced to improve, for example, differential diagnosis. Also, new technologies became available using the interaction of the angioemboli with the transmitted ultrasound waves, and sensitive methods to detect microbubbles were developed.

Intra-prostatic vasculature studies: can they predict the outcome of transurethral microwave thermotherapy for the management of bladder outflow obstruction?

Background: Blood perfusion regulates intraprostatic temperatures during transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT). We evaluated baseline intraprostatic vasculature, as a predictor of efficacy of TUMT.

Methods: Twenty-two patients, with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of bladder outflow obstruction, were treated with TUMT (Prostatron).