The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system located just distal to the bladder where it surrounds the verumotanum where the urethra and the ejaculatory ducts meet. The main function of the prostate is the storage and secretion of a milky alkaline fluid that helps neutralize the acidity of the vaginal tract for promoting sperm survival. Prostate cancer is currently the most common non-cutaneous cancer among men in America and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths.

Because the prostate is prone to development of cancer and benign prostate hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), we suspect some of the physical and thermal properties of the prostate tissue to change concurrently over time. This will be important as we look to simulate interactions between the smart needle and the prostate tissue via finite element models and tissue-mimicking prostate phantoms. Our simulations will aim at minimizing tissue trauma and enhancing accuracy and efficacy during the procedure through needle trajectory optimization.