Angle-Guidance Device for CT Biopsy Needle Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CT-guided biopsy and drainage procedures rely on visual approximation and trial-and-error methods, leading to patient discomfort, increased radiation exposure, and prolonged procedure times due to the lack of accurate needle angle guidance.
Innovation Solution
An angle-guidance device with a v-shaped needle guide, rotatable and tiltable components, and an integrated laser pointer, along with a control unit that includes a processor, angle sensor, and screen to accurately determine and display the optimal needle insertion angle, allowing for precise guidance of the biopsy needle or drainage catheter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If visual approximation and trial-and-error methods are used for needle angle guidance, then the procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but the procedure time increases and multiple CT acquisitions are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an angle-guidance device as an intermediary tool between the radiologist and the patient's body. This device includes a base with a guidance piece that has angle markings, and a needle guide that can be inclined at a device inclination angle. The device serves as a mediator to provide accurate angle guidance without requiring complex imaging equipment, thus reducing procedure time while maintaining equipment simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The angle-guidance device allows the radiologist to pre-determine the optimal needle insertion angle using the angle markings and inclination mechanisms before the actual biopsy procedure. This preliminary angle determination eliminates the need for trial-and-error adjustments during the procedure, reducing the number of CT acquisitions needed and shortening overall procedure time.
2Measurement precision
If multiple CT image acquisitions are performed to determine needle position, then accurate needle placement can be achieved, but radiation exposure to the patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The angle-guidance device acts as an intermediary that provides mechanical angle guidance, reducing the reliance on repeated CT imaging for angle determination. By providing physical angle references and guidance structures, the device enables accurate needle placement with fewer CT acquisitions, thereby reducing radiation exposure while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the reliance on repeated imaging (electromagnetic system) with a mechanical angle-guidance system. The device uses mechanical components such as the inclined needle guide, rotatable guidance piece, and angle markings to provide accurate angle determination without requiring multiple CT scans, thus substituting mechanical guidance for repeated radiation-based imaging.
3Measurement precision
If the patient remains in a fixed position for a long period, then accurate imaging can be obtained, but patient comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The angle-guidance device enables preliminary determination of the optimal needle insertion angle and trajectory before the patient is positioned for the procedure. By pre-planning the angle using the device's angle markings and inclination mechanisms, the radiologist can position the patient more comfortably and make fewer adjustments during the procedure, maintaining imaging accuracy while improving patient comfort.
4Productivity
If the needle angle is not accurately controlled, then the procedure can be performed quickly, but the need for multiple CT acquisitions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The angle-guidance device serves as an intermediary that provides real-time angle guidance during needle insertion. The device includes a needle guide that can be inclined at a predetermined device inclination angle, allowing the radiologist to maintain accurate angle control throughout the procedure, thereby reducing the need for corrective CT acquisitions and improving overall procedure efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables more efficient and accurate needle placement with reduced radiation exposure and procedure time, improving patient comfort and reducing the need for multiple CT image acquisitions, thus enhancing the precision and speed of CT-guided procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an angle sensor, which is configured to measure the device inclination angle
Implementation Method 2
an integrated laser pointer
Data Source
AI summary
An angle guidance device includes a base, which can be flexible and self-adhesive; a connector piece, including a rotatable connection, which is tiltable to a left or right side, and right and left connector plates, each including center and protractor cutouts; and a guidance piece, including an insert or protractor piece, and v-shaped needle guide, such that the v-shaped needle guide can be adjusted to a predetermined device inclination angle relative to the base. Optionally included are longitudinal and lateral level components, a bullseye level, a laser pointer, a screen, and an angle-guidance control unit, including a processor, a non-transitory memory, an input/output, a CT controller, an angle sensor, an angle viewer, a 3-axis accelerometer, and a data bus. Also disclosed is an angle-guidance method, including obtaining CT images, measuring angle and depth, setting biopsy angle, marking entry point, positioning angle-guidance device, marking position, inserting procedure needle.