Biopsy Needle Ultrasound Visualization for Predicted Post-Fire Position
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biopsy procedures rely heavily on the skill and experience of medical professionals to accurately position biopsy needles, as ultrasound guidance provides limited information about the needle's post-fire configuration, leading to unpredictable and potentially incorrect positioning.
Innovation Solution
A biopsy needle visualization system using ultrasound technology to emit and detect ultrasonic sound waves, identify the needle's properties, and generate real-time image data with indicators for predicted post-fire location, including tip and aperture positions, based on needle and tissue properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasound technology is used to guide biopsy needle insertion, then visualization of the needle in subcutaneous position is improved, but information about the lesion and needle post-fire configuration remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from 2D ultrasound imaging to 3D localization by embedding fiducial markers that provide spatial coordinates in three-dimensional space. These markers enable the system to calculate precise x, y, z positions of the needle tip and aperture, adding a dimensional layer of information that overcomes the limitations of planar ultrasound visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
Fiducial markers serve as intermediary objects that bridge the gap between the biopsy needle and the imaging system. These markers are attached to or integrated with the needle, allowing indirect detection and localization of needle components that are otherwise difficult to visualize directly through ultrasound or other imaging modalities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If biopsy needle positioning relies on medical professional skill and experience, then procedure flexibility is maintained, but positioning accuracy and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback by continuously tracking the position of fiducial markers attached to the biopsy needle and displaying this information on a monitor. This feedback loop allows the operator to see the actual needle position and make adjustments, combining machine precision with human decision-making and maintaining procedural flexibility while improving accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces reliance on human skill and experience with an automated optical tracking system that uses fiducial markers and computational algorithms to determine needle position. This substitution of mechanical/human judgment with an automated measurement system provides consistent, objective positioning data while preserving operator control through the feedback interface.
3Device complexity
If traditional ultrasound guidance is used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but guidance effectiveness and sampling accuracy worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The fiducial markers are integrated with or attached to the existing biopsy needle structure, creating a nested configuration where the marker system is contained within or on the surface of the needle assembly. This nesting approach adds localization capability without requiring a completely separate imaging system, thus limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
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
Provides precise guidance for accurate needle placement, reducing the need for repeated procedures and improving sampling accuracy by displaying predicted needle locations and deflection probabilities, benefiting both experienced and less-experienced surgeons.
Implementation Method 1
emitting an array of ultrasonic sound waves from an ultrasonic transducer of an ultrasound probe, detecting reflected ultrasonic sound waves by the ultrasonic transducer, wherein the reflected ultrasonic sound waves include at least a portion of the array of ultrasonic sound waves after being reflected from an interior of a patient
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems providing guidance for operation of a biopsy needle based on ultrasonic imaging. Ultrasonic waves are emitted and detected by a ultrasonic transducer to generate image data. A biopsy needle is identified within the generated image data, and the biopsy needle may be in a pre-fire configuration. Based on the identification of the biopsy needle, the methods and systems may determine a predicted location of the biopsy needle based at least in part on biopsy needle properties. The predicted location of the biopsy needle may be the predicated location of the biopsy needle in its post-fire configuration. At least one indicator may be displayed indicating the determined predicted location.