Ultrasonic Biopsy Guidance via Tissue Density Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic ultrasound systems face challenges in efficiently guiding needle insertion during biopsies due to difficulties in maintaining the ultrasound image plane and biopsy needle coplanarity, which leads to inefficient procedures, increased patient discomfort, and morbidity, especially when encountering dense or stiff tissues.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic imaging system that analyzes ultrasonic echo information along the projected needle insertion path to detect local tissue density variations, suggesting alternative paths that minimize resistance and tissue damage, allowing clinicians to choose the most effective and comfortable insertion route.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the ultrasound image plane and biopsy needle are kept coplanar to display actual needle tip position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to difficulty in maintaining coplanarity throughout the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/coplanar alignment requirement with an electromagnetic tracking system. Sensors detect the needle's position and orientation in three-dimensional space using magnetic fields, eliminating the need for manual coplanar maintenance while providing accurate needle tip position display on the ultrasound image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors as an intermediary between the needle and the ultrasound imaging system. These sensors act as mediators that transmit positional and orientational information from the needle to the imaging system, enabling accurate needle tip display without requiring coplanar alignment.
2Productivity
If the needle is inserted directly to the target tissue using traditional ultrasound guidance, then procedure time is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to needle deflection and bending when encountering dense or stiff tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by continuously tracking the needle's position and orientation during insertion. The system monitors needle deflection as it encounters tissue resistance and provides immediate feedback to the clinician, enabling dynamic adjustment of the insertion path to maintain accuracy and reach the target tissue reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static, pre-planned needle path to a dynamic tracking system that adapts to real-time needle behavior. The system continuously updates the needle's position and orientation, allowing the displayed path to adjust dynamically as the needle encounters varying tissue densities and potential deflections during insertion.
3Measurement precision
If multiple needle reinsertions are performed to overcome dense tissue, then needle path accuracy is maintained, but loss of time and patient discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The real-time tracking system provides continuous feedback on needle position and tissue interaction, allowing the clinician to detect deflection early and adjust the insertion path before multiple reinsertions become necessary. This reduces procedure time while maintaining accuracy by preventing the need for repeated insertions.
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
This approach reduces procedure time, minimizes needle reinsertions, and enhances biopsy precision, leading to reduced patient discomfort and improved outcomes by predicting the most favorable needle insertion path.
Implementation Method 1
As the insertion begins, ultrasonic echo information of pixels along the projected insertion path is acquired and analyzed to determine local variations in tissue density along the projected path
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic imaging system is described which visually assists biopsy needle insertion. The system produces pixel values of pixels along one or more paths of needle insertion. A tissue density analyzer is responsive to the pixel values to estimate tissue density along a path of needle insertion. A needle path calculator is responsive to the tissue density analyzer and proposes one or more favorable paths through imaged tissue for insertion of the biopsy needle. The system may be used in conjunction with a three dimensional navigation system which spatially locates the needle and ultrasound image plane in 3D space.