Development and Validation of the Partially-automated Needle Direction Assistant (PANDA) for CT-guided Interventions

A newly developed device, the Partially Automated Needle Direction Assistant, was designed to assist with computed tomography-guided oblique needle puncture. This device allows operators to accurately and in real-time determine the puncture angle based on the target lesion and needle entry point. The purpose of this report is to introduce the concept of Partially Automated Needle Direction Assistant and present results from an initial phantom study.

Partially Automated Needle Direction Assistant integrates a 9-axis internal measurement unit for angle detection, transmitting real-time orientation data to a tablet application via Wi-Fi. Operators align the needle direction with a displayed guideline. A phantom study was conducted with two operators of differing interventional radiology experience levels (operator A: 1 year; operator B: 4 years) performing needle punctures into embedded targets. Success rates were evaluated based on a scoring system reflecting needle placement accuracy.

Both operators successfully punctured all six sites, achieving a 100% success rate. Center hits were not influenced by target size, puncture direction, or operator experience level. Operator A tended to achieve higher scores than operator B (mean scores: 1.50 vs. 1.17; p = 0.073).

Partially Automated Needle Direction Assistant demonstrated high accuracy and usability in guiding oblique needle punctures, regardless of operator experience. This device has the potential to enhance safety, reduce radiation exposure, and streamline computed tomography-guided interventions.