Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026

04:33
Three-Dimensional Ultrasonic Needle Tip Tracking with a Fiber-Optic Ultrasound Receiver
Published on: August 21, 2018
Modeling of needle-tissue interaction using ultrasound-based motion estimation
Ehsan Dehghan1, Xu Wen, Reza Zahiri-Azar
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. tims@ece.ubc.ca
Summary
This study presents a novel, non-invasive method for modeling needle-tissue interaction using ultrasound and force measurements. This approach accurately simulates needle insertion forces and tissue displacement for improved medical simulators.
Area of Science:
- Medical Simulation
- Biomechanical Modeling
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Accurate needle-tissue interaction models are crucial for realistic needle insertion simulators.
- Current modeling techniques often require invasive measurements or complex setups.
- Developing non-invasive methods is key to advancing simulation fidelity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a new experimental method for modeling needle-tissue interaction.
- To demonstrate the feasibility of a non-invasive approach using ultrasound and force measurements.
- To identify parameters for a needle-tissue interaction model through deformation simulation.
Main Methods:
- Measuring needle and tissue displacements using ultrasound (radio-frequency data and cross-correlation).
- Measuring needle base forces during insertion.
- Utilizing a deformation simulation model and finite element analysis to identify model parameters.
Main Results:
- Successfully demonstrated a non-invasive method for modeling needle-tissue interaction.
- Generated tissue displacement fields using ultrasound elastography techniques.
- Achieved a good fit between simulated and measured data by adjusting model parameters.
Conclusions:
- The presented experimental method offers a feasible and non-invasive approach to modeling needle-tissue interaction.
- This technique can enhance the realism and accuracy of needle insertion simulators.
- The integration of ultrasound and force data provides valuable insights into biomechanical responses during needle insertion.

