[Localization of puncture needles in MRI: experimental studies on precision using spin-echo sequences at 1.0 T]

To evaluate accuracy of needle localisation using and signal enhancement on a 1.OT MR imager for various needles for MR-guided biopsy.

The differences between actual and virtual needle position of needles with different orientations were evaluated in a phantom for spin-echo including turbo-spin-echo sequences.

Artifacts depended on the orientation of the needle relative to the field B0, frequency-encoding gradients (Gf) and slice orientation. This resulted in different artifact shapes and sizes for left or right and cranial or caudal biopsy access routes. Applying turbo spin echo sequences feasible for biopsy, the signal void of a 18 G needle (Cook) parallel to Gf reached between 0.3 and. 4.6 mm further into the medium than the real needle tip, depending on needle orientation relative to B0. The diameter of the signal void around the needle varied, the needle shaft was right in the centre of the signal void. With Gf orthogonal to the needle the offset of signal void to needle tip ranged from 2.7 to 3.3 mm, while the actual position of the needle shaft was up to 3.3 mm lateral of the signal void center. While nominal echo times did not influence the size of the artifact in turbo-spin-echo sequences, the artifacts increased with smaller matrix and larger water-fat shift. Material and mass of the needle determined the size of the artifacts as well.

Localisation accuracy of the needle can be optimised by choosing optimal gradient directions depending on whether needle tip or shaft position should be displayed.