C03863: No-Dose Needle NavigationNovelty:
A new system that provides high accuracy needle placement without high amounts of radiation.
Value Proposition:
New generation of CT-scanners allows for fluoro-imaging of a CT slice. Using the real-time cross-section image the radiologist manually orients and inserts a procedure needle towards the target, provided that the skin entry point and the target are located in the current fluoro-slice. Even though the procedure is fast and precise in experienced hands, the major limitation of CTF is the relatively high radiation exposure to patient and physician. This technology, however, provides a way to guide needle placement accurately, without the dosage caused by CTF. Other advantages include:
• Does not require imaging
• Works on CTF and traditional CT systems
• Does not require additional hardware
Technical Details:
Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a simple CT-robot registration method, applicable to CT-guided interventional procedures, using the laser markers of the CT scanner. The method uses the laser markers readily available on any CT or MR scanner. It does not require imaging, thus eliminating radiation exposure in the CT case. Its accuracy is inherited from the laser positioning system. Unlike the manual approach, the method allows for performing oblique insertions, for which the skin entry point and the target are located in different slices.
Looking for Partners:
To develop and commercialize the technology as a new navigation tool in the Image Guided Surgery and Robotic Surgery markets.
Stage of Development:
Prototype
Data Availability:
Under CDA/NDA
Publications/Associated Cases:
Lecture Notes in Computer Science. 2001; Volume 2208/2001: 249-257.
