Automated Needle Insertion Location Identification in MRI Biopsy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The current process of identifying and positioning a biopsy needle during MRI-guided procedures is prone to errors and is time-consuming, requiring manual transfer of coordinates from an MRI image to a worksheet, which can lead to inaccuracies and repetition.
Innovation Solution
A system that automatically identifies a needle insertion location on an MRI image and provides a visual indication using a grid plate with a grid block and light guides, where the MRI image and marker are electronically transferred to a tablet computer to determine coordinates and insertion depth, and a visual indicator is used to guide the needle insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual transfer of coordinates from MRI image to worksheet is used, then the process can be performed with simple equipment, but the risk of error increases and the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a digital copy of the MRI image displayed on a monitor screen, allowing the technician to electronically mark the target location directly on the digital image rather than manually transferring coordinates. This digital copying approach eliminates manual transcription errors while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual process of transferring coordinates by hand to a digital electronic system where the MRI image is displayed on a monitor and coordinates are automatically captured and processed by a computer algorithm, eliminating manual errors and reducing time consumption.
2Productivity
If manual coordinate transfer process is used, then the equipment required is simple, but the time required for the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs digital copying of the MRI image on a monitor display, enabling rapid electronic identification and marking of the target location without manual coordinate transfer, thus significantly reducing procedure time while requiring only standard digital imaging equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous operation where the MRI image is displayed and coordinates are automatically captured and processed without interruption or manual intervention steps, allowing the identification process to continue seamlessly and reducing overall procedure time.
3Measurement precision
If manual coordinate transfer is used, then the system complexity is low, but measurement precision of needle insertion location decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical coordinate transfer with an electronic digital system that automatically captures and processes coordinates from the MRI image display, providing higher measurement precision through electronic accuracy while using readily available digital equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for automatically identifying a needle insertion location from a medical diagnostic image, such as an MRI image, and providing a visual indication of the needle insertion location is disclosed. A grid plate is located proximate to an anatomical region and is preferably incorporated in an MRI support structure utilized to immobilize the anatomical region. An MRI scanner obtains an MRI image of the anatomical region, and an MRI technician places a marker on the MRI image, identifying the needle insertion location. The MRI image and the marker are transferred from the MRI scanner to another device, such as a tablet computer, which is configured to convert the MRI image and the marker to coordinates and an insertion depth. A visual indicator is located proximate to or integrated with the grid plate that provides the needle insertion coordinates and insertion depth to the MRI technician.