Cost-efficient analysis of a portable low field magnetic resonance imaging system for prostate cancer diagnosis

Purpose Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided procedures are typically performed under high magnetic field strengths (1.5-3 Tesla) and expensive. Recently, technological progress has led to MRIs that low-cost but similarly performing despite lower (58-74mT). Our purpose was evaluate the cost-efficiency of implementing a low-field MRI for targeted prostate cancer biopsy. Materials methods We utilized time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) establish overall costs based on cost rates total times every step. Thorough literature searches consultations with two board certified radiologists, process maps were created, duration each step determined by experience previously published data. A sensitivity analysis also create several scenarios system. Results Total procedure times, moderate sedation, 61 ± 14.5 mins 57 23 transperineal biopsy (TPB) in-bore MRI-guided transrectal (IB-TBx) high-field MRI. In pathway, 61% intra-operative time spent patient preparation prebiopsy MRI, however, this did not require urologist or radiologist expertise, subsequently keeping lower. at 5% 50% (in increments) produced difference from $888.13 $879.18 favoring lower-field system, respectively. Conclusions portable, low field, office-based system offers cost-efficient alternative Further studies assessing effectiveness while taking into consideration sampling accuracy needed.