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Three-Dimensional Ultrasonic Needle Tip Tracking with a Fiber-Optic Ultrasound Receiver
Published on: August 21, 2018
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Color VISION for improved ultrasound visualization of brachytherapy needles
Justine M Dupere1, Eric E Brost1, Matthew E Hainy2
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
Medical Physics
|April 17, 2024
Summary
This study introduces color VISION, a novel technique using mechanical vibrations to enhance brachytherapy needle visibility on ultrasound images. This improves prostate cancer treatment planning accuracy and facilitates automated digitization.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Oncology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- High dose rate brachytherapy is crucial for prostate cancer treatment.
- Accurate visualization of brachytherapy needles under transrectal ultrasound (US) is challenging due to poor conspicuity and artifacts.
- Precise needle localization is essential for treatment plan accuracy and quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a technique for generating a color overlay of brachytherapy needle locations on grayscale US images.
- To create prototype devices producing vibrations in needles, generating high-contrast color Doppler (CD) signals for improved visualization.
- To introduce color VISION (Vibrationally Induced Shimmering for Identifying an Object's Nature) for enhanced applicator conspicuity and automated digitization.
Main Methods:
- Designed and evaluated three prototype vibrational devices (200-450 Hz) with needle implants in phantom and cadaveric models.
- Tested actuators attached to needle templates and a hand-held actuator inserted into the needle lumen.
- Postprocessed acquired images in MATLAB to assess automated digitization potential.
Main Results:
- All prototypes successfully generated localized shimmering in brachytherapy needles in both axial and sagittal planes.
- Template-mounted actuators offered superior vibrational coupling and ease of use compared to the stylet prototype.
- The CD signal achieved 100% Michelson contrast, significantly outperforming B-mode imaging (≤40%); automated digitization proof-of-principle was demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- The color VISION prototype devices effectively used mechanical vibrations to generate US CD shimmering, accurately highlighting brachytherapy needle locations.
- The high-contrast, registered signal shows promise for automating needle digitization and providing real-time visual overlays on B-mode US.
- This technology has the potential to significantly improve brachytherapy treatment planning and delivery.
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