BACKGROUND:  Ultrasound image-guidance has become the standard of care for needle-based procedures. The safety and success of image-guided interventions is dependent on anatomic knowledge, visualization, and precise tracking and control of the biopsy needle. Optimal visualization of the structure of interest and biopsy needle requires the use of specialized biopsy needles and high-fidelity ultrasound units, but the vast majority of medical care providers lack the access to high-fidelity ultrasound machines and specialized biopsy needles necessary for accurate images. Instead, the majority of healthcare providers use less expensive, lower resolution hand-carried ultrasound (HCUS) units. Unfortunately, the inability to clearly see the tip of a needle in relation to the object of interest on the lower-fidelity HCUS units limits the utility of such image-guidance. Numerous invasive procedures are performed on a daily basis without the benefit of accurate image-guidance resulting from poor needle tracking. Such procedures include, but are not limited to, arterial cannulation, abscess drainage, mass biopsies, paracentesis, thoracentesis, and nerve blocks.

INNOVATION:  The result of an interdisciplinary applied research effort, this invention uses a novel image processing algorithm that can be easily programmed into existing HCUS units to provide healthcare providers the ability to reliably and easily, in real-time, track the distal tip of an inserted needle. The ability of a healthcare provider to more clearly identify and track the distal tip of a needle during image-guided interventions will significantly improve the accuracy and precision of medical procedures.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS 

• Ultrasound-guided needle-based interventions (e.g., venous and arterial cannulation, abscess drainage, mass biopsies, paracentesis, thoracentesis, and nerve blocks).

ADVANTAGES

• Vastly improved image quality, clarity, and accuracy
• Ability to track the distal tip of a needle in real-time
• Can easily be incorporated directly into existing Hand-Carried Ultrasound units via a software plug-in

DEVELOPMENT-TO-DATE:  Real-time tracking of a needle tip has been demonstrated.

Reference: UCLA Case No. 2009-222