Virtual MRI Biopsy Guidance via Respiratory State Indexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image-guided breast biopsies face challenges with limited field of view in ultrasound imaging and the need for frequent patient repositioning in MRI-guided biopsies, leading to misinterpretations and discomfort due to breast compression.
Innovation Solution
A method combining real-time ultrasound and MRI imaging to index respiratory states, allowing for the display of virtual real-time MRI images during the biopsy procedure outside the MRI scanner, using an MR-compatible ultrasound probe and processor to guide the biopsy needle accurately without breast compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If MRI is used for image-guided biopsy, then lesion detection sensitivity and field of view are improved, but patient comfort deteriorates due to breast compression and frequent repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that combines MRI and ultrasound imaging modalities. The MRI provides high-resolution anatomical images for accurate lesion localization, while ultrasound serves as a mediator to guide the biopsy needle in real-time without requiring breast compression. This intermediary approach allows the system to leverage the strengths of both imaging techniques while avoiding their respective drawbacks.
Solution Approach 2:
The biopsy guidance process is segmented into two distinct phases: (1) MRI-based lesion localization and planning, and (2) ultrasound-based real-time needle guidance. This segmentation allows each imaging modality to be optimized for its specific function, with MRI providing detailed pre-procedural anatomical information and ultrasound providing real-time feedback during needle insertion, thereby eliminating the need for continuous breast compression.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional ultrasound imaging is used for biopsy guidance, then patient comfort is improved by avoiding breast compression, but field of view and lesion positioning accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the complementary strengths of MRI and ultrasound imaging into a unified guidance system. MRI provides the large field of view and high lesion detection sensitivity, while ultrasound provides real-time imaging capability and patient comfort. The merged system displays both imaging modalities simultaneously, allowing the operator to leverage the large MRI field of view for lesion localization while using real-time ultrasound for comfortable, compression-free needle guidance.
3Measurement precision
If MRI-guided biopsy is performed, then lesion targeting accuracy is improved, but procedure efficiency deteriorates due to frequent patient repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using MRI to pre-identify the lesion location and plan the biopsy trajectory before the actual needle insertion. The MRI images are used to mark the lesion position and determine the optimal approach, which is then transferred to the ultrasound guidance system. This preliminary planning eliminates the need for repeated patient repositioning and real-time MRI adjustments, significantly improving procedure efficiency while maintaining high targeting accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing virtual real-time MRI-guidance for a biopsy outside of a conventional MRI scanner is described. MR images and ultrasound images of a region of a patient's body are simultaneously acquired during a pre-biopsy procedure. Respiratory states that the patient may experience during the biopsy are then determined from the acquired ultrasound images, and each respiratory state is associated with corresponding MR images. The MR images are indexed with their corresponding respiratory state. Ultrasound images are then acquired of the patient during a biopsy procedure. The respiratory state of the patient is determined from the ultrasound images, and the corresponding indexed MR images are displayed.