The DEVICE project consists in the development of a silver coated biopsy needle which, once the tissue sample is harvested within the biopsy needle and before retracting the needle, will delivery a short sequence of low-current pulses that will massively release silver ions from the needle surface into the patient's prostate. In addition, the project involves the development of a low current generator in order to control the needle's voltage and time.

This technology aims to further minimize, and even cancel, the risk of infections after a transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy (TRUS) procedure. This technology has the advantage that it is fully compatible with the procedures and equipment used in current clinical practice. In addition, it is a safe and effective system for the patient and cost - effective for hospitals and health systems.

The project is grounded on the observation that silver ions, which are known to have a powerful antibacterial effect can be deposited in a a sufficiently thick, robust and smooth layer on standard stainless steel biopsy needles by using standard industrial procedures, without employing toxic elements (such as nickel) and without leaving residues which could be harmful for the patient.

In one hand, such ions are combined with chloride ions existing in living tissues, forming chloride of the metal in question (preferably silver) in the surrounding areas ofthe needle, precipitating as a salt due to its low solubility and producing crystals of this compound forming a series of slow and progressive dispensing units causing the metal ions to be released gradually over a prolonged period of time also due to low solubility.

On the other hand, generating cathodic electrochemical reactions on the surface of the needle produces a sufficiently high pH microenvironment in the tissue surrounding the needle, which inactivates bacteria in contact with the needle and, therefore, prevents the growth of bacterial colonies in the needle trajectory.