Three-Dimensional Ultrasonic Needle Tip Tracking with a Fiber-Optic Ultrasound Receiver

作者： Wenfeng Xia1,2, Simeon J. West3, Malcolm C. Finlay2,4, Rosalind Pratt5,6, Sunish Mathews1,2, Jean-Martial Mari7, Sebastien Ourselin1,2,6, Anna L. David1,5,8,9, Adrien E. Desjardins1,2 1Wellcome/EPSRC Centre for Interventional and Surgical Sciences,University College London, 2Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering,University College London, 3Department of Anaesthesia,University College Hospital, 4St Bartholomew's Hospital and Queen Mary University of London, 5Institute for Women's Health,University College London, 6Centre for Medical Imaging Computing,University College London, 7GePaSud,University of French Polynesia, 8Department of Development and Regeneration,KU Leuven (Katholieke Universiteit), 9NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre

简介：

Overview

This article presents a method for accurately localizing the spatial position of a needle tip relative to an ultrasound imaging probe, which is crucial for ultrasound-guided minimally invasive procedures. The technique aims to enhance needle tracking, even when the needle is outside the imaging plane, thereby reducing complications associated with poorly tracked needle insertions.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

• Ultrasound imaging
• Minimally invasive procedures
• Medical device tracking

Background

• Accurate visualization of invasive medical devices is essential in clinical settings.
• Ultrasound needle tracking can prevent complications during procedures.
• Existing methods may struggle with tracking needles outside the imaging plane.
• Improved tracking techniques can enhance patient safety and procedural outcomes.

Purpose of Study

• To develop a method for precise needle tip localization using ultrasound.
• To demonstrate the integration of a fiber optic hydrophone into a clinical needle.
• To improve the signal-to-noise ratio in ultrasound imaging of needle positions.

Methods Used

• Preparation of a fiber optic ultrasound hydrophone for integration with a medical needle.
• Use of a stereo microscope for visualizing the needle tip.
• Injection of optical adhesive to secure the hydrophone within the needle.
• Implementation of B-mode imaging to track needle insertion in a phantom model.

Main Results

• The method allowed tracking of a needle tip with an out-of-plane distance of 15 mm.
• Signal-to-noise ratio improved by 7.5-fold using Golay coding.
• 3D needle tip positions were accurately overlaid on 2D ultrasound images.
• The technique demonstrated practical applicability in clinical settings.

Conclusions

• The integration of a fiber optic hydrophone enhances ultrasound tracking of needles.
• This method can significantly reduce complications during minimally invasive procedures.
• Future applications may expand to various clinical fields requiring precise device localization.

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