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Updated: Jun 23, 2025
04:33
Three-Dimensional Ultrasonic Needle Tip Tracking with a Fiber-Optic Ultrasound Receiver
Published on: August 21, 2018
10.4K
Miniaturized electromagnetic tracking enables efficient ultrasound-navigated needle insertions.
Alexander Seitel1,2, Daniel Groener3, Matthias Eisenmann4
1Division of Intelligent Medical Systems, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany. a.seitel@dkfz-heidelberg.de.
Scientific Reports
|June 19, 2024
Summary
This study introduces a novel, non-permanent ultrasound navigation accessory for percutaneous needle insertions. The device enhances accuracy and usability, especially for less experienced users, improving ultrasound-guided procedures.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Surgical Navigation
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Ultrasound (US) is a popular, non-ionizing imaging modality for guiding percutaneous needle insertions.
- Coordinating US scanning and needle insertion requires significant operator experience.
- Existing navigation solutions often involve specialized equipment or integrated hardware, compromising ergonomics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop the first ultrasound navigation solution as a non-permanent accessory for existing US devices.
- To maintain ergonomic scanning and insertion processes while providing real-time instrument tracking.
- To assess the accuracy and usability of the proposed navigation solution.
Main Methods:
- A miniaturized electromagnetic tracking (EMT) source was reversibly attached to the US probe.
- This created a temporary combined modality for simultaneous anatomical imaging and instrument tracking.
- Studies were conducted with 11 clinical operators performing needle insertions.
Main Results:
- The navigation solution guided needle insertions with a targeting accuracy of approximately 5 mm.
- Accuracy was comparable to existing approaches and unaffected by repeated attachment/detachment.
- Assistance was particularly beneficial for non-expert users and insertions outside the US imaging plane.
Conclusions:
- The developed navigation solution offers a user-friendly, non-permanent accessory for ultrasound-guided procedures.
- Its small size and reversible attachment facilitate clinical workflow integration.
- The technology promises widespread access to improved ultrasound-navigated punctures.
