Stepped 2D array needle transducer for 4D ultrasound imaging-guided spinal puncture

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Biomedical Engineering
• Minimally Invasive Procedures

Background:

• Ultrasound-guided spinal puncture is crucial for various procedures.
• Conventional methods offer limited visualization, hindering needle identification and understanding of subsurface anatomy.
• Challenges exist in accurately guiding needles during spinal interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an innovative ultrasound guidance system for spinal punctures.
• To enhance visualization of the puncture needle and surrounding structures in real-time.
• To improve the safety and accuracy of spinal procedures.

Main Methods:

• Integration of a 2D ultrasound array transducer into the tip of a spinal needle.
• Design of a stepped-shaped transducer for seamless fit with the needle.
• Fabrication of a 10-MHz, 256-element 2D array transducer for high-resolution imaging.
• Real-time 3D volumetric imaging acquisition within the body anterior to the needle.

Main Results:

• Successful integration of the miniaturized 2D array transducer into the needle tip.
• Demonstration of clear needle identification and precise guidance in in vitro and in vivo (pig) experiments.
• Superior imaging resolution achieved with the 10-MHz transducer.

Conclusions:

• The developed needle-tip ultrasound transducer enables real-time 3D guidance for spinal punctures.
• This technology significantly improves needle visualization and procedural accuracy.
• The system holds great potential for enhancing safety and reducing complications in clinical spinal interventions.