Improved needle visualization with electronic beam steering: proof of concept

The objective of this study was to evaluate electronic beam steering to improve needle visualization.

Various needles ranging from 27 to 12 gauge were evaluated with a modified CX50 (Philips Ultrasound, Bothell, Wash) using a 12-MHz linear probe. For proof of concept, the needles were placed in a pork roast at various random angles. The ultrasound beam was electronically steered at angles from 0 to 50 degrees. Images were obtained at the various angles and compared. Two patients undergoing a thyroid biopsy, one patient undergoing biopsy of the supraclavicular node, and one undergoing a breast biopsy were evaluated using electronic beam steering at various angles. The images were stored and subjectively compared.

All needles were better visualized when the ultrasound beam was steered as close to perpendicular to the needle as possible. Significant improvements in needle including tip visualization by subjective visual inspection were found by applying the appropriate beam angle.

Electronic beam steering has the potential to significantly improve needle visualization.