Public defence in Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, M.Sc. Yohann Le Bourlout

Title of the thesis: Ultrasound-enhanced Fine-Needle Aspiration for Biopsy - From device development to in vivo human validation

Doctoral student: Yohann Le Bourlout
Opponent: Professor Margaret Lucas, University of Glasgow, UK
Custos: Associate Professor Anton Kuzyk, Aalto University School of Science, Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering

Development and in vivo human validation of an ultrasonically actuated medical needle for biopsy

The lifetime risk of developing cancer is around 40%, making it one of the most significant diseases worldwide. Early and accurate detection is essential for providing optimal treatment and maximizing patient survival. This is why biopsy plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. A biopsy involves collecting a tissue sample to determine the presence and type of disease. However, current methods often struggle to collect enough tissue, can be dangerous for patients, and may fail to provide accurate diagnoses, preventing doctors from identifying the best treatment plans.

To address these challenges, we developed an ultrasonically actuated medical needle, which uses ultrasonic waves to move its tip by tens of micrometers. This movement, combined with sharp needle tip, detaches and collects tissue more effectively during biopsies. Our device was rigorously tested on various tissues, including surgically removed healthy and cancerous human tissue, as well as in a clinical trial on humans with tumors.

This innovative needle advances less invasive medical devices, offering increased tissue collection without added risks. Tests showed 2-7 times more tissue collected compared to current methods, with clinical trials demonstrating a 1.7-3.4 times improvement in tissue yield without unexpected complications. This ensures safety for both patients and operators while allowing more diagnostic tests on biopsy samples, leading to more precise diagnoses and tailored treatments.

Our findings suggest that this device could become a next-generation tool for cancer diagnosis. Beyond biopsies, its ultrasound-enhanced functionality has potential for other medical applications, such as therapies. By addressing a major global health challenge, this research marks a significant step forward in cancer diagnostics and sets the foundation for future innovations in medical technology.

Keywords: Ultrasound, biopsy, needle, cancer

Thesis available for public display 10 days prior to the defence at: https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/doc_public/eonly/riiputus/ 

Contact information:

Doctoral theses at the School of Science: https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/handle/123456789/52