Percutaneous MR-guided interventions using an optical Moiré Phase tracking system: Initial results.

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Interventional Radiology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Percutaneous interventions require precise instrument navigation within Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging.
• Real-time feedback is crucial for improving accuracy and safety during MR-guided procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a real-time optical Moiré Phase Tracking (MPT) guidance system for MR-guided percutaneous interventions.
• To assess the system's accuracy and usability for both experienced and novice interventional radiologists.

Main Methods:

• Modified a gradient echo sequence for real-time position updates using MPT markers attached to a needle.
• Developed an image guidance system displaying needle trajectory and tip-to-target distance as an overlay.
• Evaluated the system in a phantom study with 80 punctures on a 3T MRI system.

Main Results:

• The system achieved low mean errors: user error (0.91mm), system error (0.53mm), and total error (0.99mm).
• No significant differences in performance (time, error) were observed between expert and novice users.
• Continuous, interactive control of imaging planes and real-time feedback were enabled.

Conclusions:

• The developed MPT-based guidance system offers accurate and interactive real-time feedback for MR-guided percutaneous interventions.
• The system is effective for both experienced and novice users, potentially improving procedural safety and efficiency.
• This technology facilitates precise needle placement within the MR environment.