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Biopsy needle tips with markers--MR compatible needles for high-precision needle tip positioning
Bernd M Müller-Bierl1, Petros Martirosian, Hansjörg Graf
1Max-Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Spemannstrasse 41, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany. bernd.mueller-bierl@tuebingen.mpg.de
Medical Physics
|July 25, 2008
Summary
New biopsy needle designs with diamagnetic coatings improve magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) visualization. This allows for precise needle tip tracking during interventional procedures, simplifying MR-guided biopsies.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Interventional Radiology
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Accurate needle tip visualization is critical for MRI-guided interventions like biopsies.
- Image artifacts from needle magnetic properties often obscure the exact tip location.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate novel biopsy needle tip designs with diamagnetic coatings for improved MRI visualization.
- To assess the precision and utility of these enhanced needles in interventional MR procedures.
Main Methods:
- Investigated two biopsy needle tip designs featuring diamagnetic coatings.
- Utilized common interventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences (FLASH, FISP, TSE).
- Analyzed the artifact patterns generated by the needle tips in MR images.
Main Results:
- Needle tips were visualized as distinct dark spots, forming a dotted line for better tracking.
- Enabled precise estimation of needle tip position (approx. 1 mm accuracy).
- Allowed for estimation of biopsy probe size from the generated artifacts.
Conclusions:
- Diamagnetically coated needles significantly simplify MR-guided biopsies.
- The artifact design approach facilitates development of new MR-tailored instruments for interventional radiologists.
