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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
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Three-Dimensional Ultrasonic Needle Tip Tracking with a Fiber-Optic Ultrasound Receiver
Published on: August 21, 2018
A needle tracking device for ultrasound guided percutaneous procedures
Candice Chan1, Felix Lam, Robert Rohling
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology
|November 16, 2005
Summary
A new camera-based tracking device accurately guides percutaneous needle insertion by measuring needle position relative to ultrasound probes. System accuracy depends on camera quality and calibration precision.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Surgical Navigation
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Percutaneous needle insertion requires precise guidance to reach target locations.
- Current methods may involve complex sensor attachments or limited visual feedback.
- Accurate real-time tracking of instruments is crucial for minimally invasive procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel, sensorless tracking device for needle-guided procedures.
- To measure the position and orientation of a needle relative to an ultrasound probe.
- To enhance operator guidance during percutaneous needle insertion for improved trajectory alignment.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a stereo camera system to track needle location without external sensors.
- Developed and described calibration methods for all system parameters.
- Performed tests using both commercial and inexpensive consumer-grade cameras.
Main Results:
- Achieved an overall error of 3.1 +/- 1.8 mm with commercial cameras.
- Achieved an overall error of 6.5 +/- 5.7 mm with inexpensive consumer cameras.
- Identified calibration steps as a significant source of error.
Conclusions:
- The novel tracking device offers a sensorless solution for guiding percutaneous needle insertion.
- System accuracy is influenced by both camera quality and the precision of calibration procedures.
- Further optimization of calibration may improve the overall accuracy of the tracking system.
