Design and development of a mobile image overlay system for needle interventions
Summary
A new mobile image overlay system significantly reduces weight and improves tracking accuracy for needle interventions. This advancement enhances physician usability and precision in medical procedures.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Image-Guided Interventions
- Surgical Navigation
Background:
- Previous image overlay systems for needle interventions had limitations like bulkiness and restricted mobility.
- These drawbacks hindered clinical translation and widespread adoption in medical settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a mobile image overlay system with reduced weight, smaller dimensions, and enhanced tracking accuracy.
- To overcome the limitations of existing static and adjustable systems for improved clinical application.
Main Methods:
- Design study involving workspace definition, display device, mirror, and laser source selection.
- Methods for laser plane alignment, phantom design, image overlay plane calibration, and accuracy validation were detailed.
- A virtual image generated by a tablet was projected using a beamsplitter mirror.
Main Results:
- System weight reduced 8.2 times (1.0 kg viewbox) and tracking precision improved 5 times (0.21 mm, STD = 0.05).
- Automatic self-calibration achieved in two steps, independent of patient table proximity.
- Fiducial registration error for phantom to image volume registration was 1.35 mm (STD = 0.11).
Conclusions:
- The mobile image overlay system offers significant improvements in weight and accuracy over previous systems.
- Reduced weight and enhanced optical tracking enable potential hand-held use by physicians.
- The system facilitates better exploration of image volumes during needle interventions.
