Vincent Groenhuis' (UT) MRI-guided robot increases precision in breast biopsy
In the Innovation Maestros series, we highlight groundbreaking technologies from the Netherlands. Today a medical breakthrough: a robot for MRI-guided breast biopsy, developed by Vincent Groenhuis at the University of Twente.
Published on January 10, 2025
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Everything new is wildly interesting! That's the motto of our DATA+ expert, Elcke Vels. She writes stories about AI and how it affects our society, has a series on cyber security, and interviews Dutch innovation maestros. In her “What if...” column, she also explores intriguing scenarios that deviate from the status quo.
Taking biopsies when breast cancer is suspected is currently done through a hand-held process, which lacks precision and is prone to error. Vincent Groenhuis, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Twente (UT), developed a solution: an MRI-guided robot that takes highly accurate samples of breast tissue. “I was about to give up,” he says.
1 in 7 women will develop breast cancer. Every year, tens of thousands of women in the Netherlands undergo a breast biopsy, often after abnormalities are seen on an MRI scan. This is currently done with a hand-held needle. The doctor uses a grid and must puncture precisely at the indicated points. If the needle is not positioned properly or if the patient moves, things can go wrong. Then a second biopsy is needed, and that takes time and energy.
Precision in breast biopsies: how a robot makes a difference
Time for improvement, thought Groenhuis, a postdoctoral researcher in the Robotics and Mechatronics group at UT. He came up with a concept 11 years ago within the so-called Sunram project for a robot in an MRI scanner that can accurately take tissue samples. “It started with a collaboration between my professor, a doctor, and an entrepreneur, and led - after much trial and error - to a workable prototype,” he insists. He designed a robot that works with 3D-printed plastic motors, operating on air so that it does not affect the magnetic field of the MRI. Groenhuis experimented with several variations of the motors and eventually patented two of them.
His robot offers significant improvements in the accuracy of the biopsy procedure. Radiologists can control the needle with great precision and precisely locate the tumor on the MRI scan. “Moreover,” Groenhuis adds, ”we will eventually be able to use it to perform treatments, such as injecting drugs or treating the tumor by heating or freezing.”
Breakthrough after setback: 'I almost gave up'
The biggest challenge within the project was designing airtight cylinders, says the researcher. “Cylinders are usually round because that shape holds pressure better. But round cylinders are difficult to produce with laser cutting or 3D printing. That's why I chose a square version. However, getting them airtight proved to be a huge challenge. I was about to give up because nothing seemed to work. Finally, with a bit of luck, I discovered the perfect combination of materials that solved the problem.”
From lab to practice: the route to commercial success
The researcher has several patents to his name, from which a spin-off has emerged: Machnet Medical Robotics. “Machnet is now going to further commercialize the technology for MRI-guided breast biopsy. I see them regularly, but only have an informal, advisory role.” The company now has 39 employees and has already attracted many investors from places such as India and Canada.
Over the next few years, the spin-off will focus on further developing the existing prototype into a certified medical device. This process includes conducting extensive tests and going through the necessary procedures to make the device meet the strict requirements for the medical market.
Robots and medical innovations: the passion of Vincent Groenhuis
In addition to the biopsy robot, Groenhuis has also contributed to many other medtech projects, such as image-guided medical robotics for bladder cancer diagnosis. Did the researcher always have an interest in robots? “Not specifically in robots. But even as a child, I took apart old lamps and radios to discover what was inside.”
That curiosity about technology has never gone away. “When I go to bed, I often think about technological problems from my research. What is the best geometry for the engine? What mathematical formula should I apply? I'm always looking for solutions.” It's not just ideas, by the way. “At home, I have five 3D printers, which I use for both professional and personal use.” With these, he prints, for example, rings, bitcoin coins in gold filament, or kitchen utensils.
Even more robots
Groenhuis' work is far from finished. He has now plunged into a new project, working on a larger-sized robot. “Because this allows the robotic arm to reach a larger part of the body. This can be useful if you find a possible tumor in any organ that you can only see on MRI and cannot examine or treat offhand. I felt it was time for something new. Publishing new scientific papers becomes increasingly difficult when you work on the same project for years. Therefore, I now want to develop a robot with a different type of motor: a larger one with a transmission. I hope to make breakthroughs with this.”
In addition, the assistant professor continues to enthusiastically mentor students. “I need to transfer my knowledge and experience. By the way, students also help me again with my new project. So that's nice” (laughs).