Automatic Needle Insertion Location Identification

摘要

A system for automatically identifying a needle insertion location from a medical diagnostic image, such as an MRI image, and providing a visual indication of the needle insertion location is disclosed. A grid plate is located proximate to an anatomical region and is preferably incorporated in an MRI support structure utilized to immobilize the anatomical region. An MRI scanner obtains an MRI image of the anatomical region, and an MRI technician places a marker on the MRI image, identifying the needle insertion location. The MRI image and the marker are transferred from the MRI scanner to another device, such as a tablet computer, which is configured to convert the MRI image and the marker to coordinates and an insertion depth. A visual indicator is located proximate to or integrated with the grid plate that provides the needle insertion coordinates and insertion depth to the MRI technician.

主权项

1. A needle insertion location identification system for use with a support structure configured to position a patient during a medical procedure guided by diagnostic imaging, the needle insertion location identification system comprising:
a grid plate including a plurality of openings arranged in an array, the grid plate configured to be inserted into a portion of the support structure; a grid block configured to be inserted into one of the openings in the grid plate, the grid block including a plurality of apertures, each aperture configured to receive a needle; an interface unit configured to communicate with a remote processor to receive needle insertion information, wherein the needle insertion information identifies one of the openings and one of the apertures; and a grid indication unit configured to provide a visual indication of the opening and of the aperture identified by the needle insertion information.