Technologies

Effectively Guides Needle Devices

This system offers control for the guidance of a biopsy needle. Medical professionals frequently use tomography and radiographic imaging methods such as X-ray and fluoroscopy to guide an advancing catheter to a specific target. Although the radiation doses received by patients and medical personnel in a diagnostic setting are low, their exposure to radiation during interventional procedures can reach alarming levels. Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a medical imaging system that minimizes ionizing radiation exposure. This new technology will enable precise, accurate tracking and guidance of biopsy needles while minimizing radiation exposure to both patient and medical personnel.

Technology

This medical imaging system consists of a computer controlled system for guiding a needle device, such as a biopsy needle, using computed tomography imaging (CTI), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fluoroscopic imaging, or 3D ultrasound system, or any combination of these systems. The 3D ultrasound system includes a combination of an ultrasound probe and both passive and active infrared tracking systems, enabling a real-time imaging display of the entire region of interest without probe movement. This new technology will facilitate more accurate and precise tracking and guidance of biopsy needles while minimizing exposure to ionizing radiation to both patient and medical personnel.