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Low-Complexity Robotic Device for Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Needle Biopsy
Anastasia Antoniou1, Nikolas Evripidou1, Leonidas Georgiou2
1Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus.
Summary
A novel robotic device offers precise, submillimeter needle-to-target alignment for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-guided biopsies, enhancing accuracy and physician control in minimally invasive procedures.
Area of Science:
- Medical Robotics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Image-Guided Therapy
Background:
- Developing advanced tools for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-guided procedures is crucial for improving diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
- Existing methods for MRI-guided biopsy can be complex and time-consuming, necessitating more streamlined approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a low-complexity robotic device for precise needle-to-target alignment during MRI-guided biopsy.
- To maintain physician control over needle insertion while automating alignment tasks.
Main Methods:
- A robotic device with two linear degrees of freedom was designed for in-plane needle guide alignment.
- Custom MRI-integrated software managed trajectory planning, motion execution, image transfer, and sequence triggering.
- Alignment accuracy was evaluated using an agar phantom with 5-mm and 10-mm tumor mimics.
Main Results:
- The robotic system achieved consistent submillimeter alignment accuracy in phantom experiments for both 5-mm and 10-mm targets.
- The system demonstrated reliable performance with no operational failures during preliminary evaluations.
Conclusions:
- The developed robotic device shows feasibility for semi-automated MRI-guided abdominal biopsies.
- Further extensive preclinical testing is required to validate the system's efficacy and safety in clinical settings.
