Method and system for performing biopsies
Inventors
Xu, Sheng • Kruecker, Jochen • Shechter, Guy • Farmer, Ian • Choyke, Peter Lyle • Pinto, Peter • Wood, Bradford J.
Assignees
Koninklijke Philips NV • Office of Technology Transfer
Publication Number
US-8447384-B2
Publication Date
2013-05-21
Expiration Date
2029-06-12
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Abstract
A method and system for performing biopsies can include an imaging system for obtaining diagnostic images of a target region; a tracking system; a probe having a deployable biopsy needle for performing a biopsy procedure where the tracking system generates tracking information for at least one of the probe and the biopsy needle; an ultrasound imaging system for obtaining ultrasound imaging of the target region; and a computer in communication with the tracking system, the imaging system and the ultrasound imaging system. The computer can register the tracking system with the imaging system. The computer transfers a marking of a biopsy site associated with the biopsy procedure from the ultrasound imaging to the diagnostic images based on the tracking information and the registration of the tracking system with the diagnostic images.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a method and system for performing biopsies, specifically utilizing a probe with a deployable biopsy needle, an imaging system for obtaining diagnostic images, a tracking system for capturing tracking information of the probe or needle, and an ultrasound imaging system for real-time imaging. A computer coordinates these components by registering the tracking system with the diagnostic images, marking biopsy sites on ultrasound images during a biopsy procedure, and transferring these marked biopsy sites to the diagnostic images based on tracking and registration information.
The problem addressed is the inaccuracy and high false negative rate of traditional sextant biopsy in prostate cancer detection. In the conventional sextant biopsy, biopsy results are manually annotated on a crude prostate map without precise knowledge of the actual biopsy location, leading to significant inaccuracies in mapping biopsy sites. This limits the ability to accurately correlate biopsy results with diagnostic imaging information and hinders targeted medical interventions.
The invention solves this problem by integrating electromagnetic or other tracking systems with ultrasound and diagnostic imaging modalities such as MRI. By registering the biopsy needle position during ultrasound imaging with diagnostic images via tracking data, the system enables precise mapping of biopsy sites onto diagnostic images. This facilitates accurate documentation of biopsy locations, supports targeted re-biopsy procedures, enables the generation of statistical cancer distribution maps, and improves validation of image-based cancer detection.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes several inventive features covering a method of tracked biopsy procedure, computer-readable medium implementations, and a biopsy system integrating imaging and tracking components.
Method for tracked biopsy site marking and transformation
Providing a probe with a deployable biopsy needle; acquiring diagnostic images; registering a tracking system with the diagnostic images; obtaining ultrasound images during biopsy; acquiring tracking information for the probe or needle; marking biopsy sites on ultrasound images; and transforming these markings to diagnostic images based on tracking and registration.
Use of electromagnetic tracking system
Employing an electromagnetic tracking system wherein the probe and/or biopsy needle includes electromagnetic sensors for tracking during the biopsy procedure.
Integration with MRI imaging for prostate biopsy
Applying the method specifically to prostate biopsies with MRI as the diagnostic imaging modality and displaying MRI images showing marked biopsy sites on computing devices.
Real-time biopsy site marking and subsequent medical procedures
Performing biopsy site marking on ultrasound images in real-time and using the diagnostic images with marked biopsy sites to guide additional medical procedures.
Generation of biopsy site distribution maps
Acquiring biopsy locations for multiple patients, associating these locations within a common coordinate system, and generating distribution maps reflecting cancer incidence or biopsy sampling.
Use of distribution maps for clinician training and image processing algorithms
Employing biopsy distribution maps to train clinicians on biopsy procedures and using correlation between diagnostic images and pathology to enhance image-based cancer detection algorithms.
Imaging correction to account for target motion
Incorporating imaging correction methods, such as motion correction, to improve the accuracy of image fusion and biopsy site localization.
Adjustment of ultrasound transducer and patient positioning
Modifying ultrasound transducer type and patient position during procedures guided by diagnostic images with marked biopsy sites to optimize biopsy accuracy.
Computer-executable code for method implementation
Storing computer-executable code on a non-transitory medium configured to register tracking systems, obtain tracking and ultrasound images during biopsy, and transfer biopsy site markings from ultrasound to diagnostic images based on tracking data.
Biopsy system integration
A system comprising an imaging system, probe with a deployable biopsy needle, tracking system capturing probe/needle locations, ultrasound imaging system, and computer managing registration and transformation of biopsy site markings between imaging modalities.
Use of TRUS probe with needle guide and electromagnetic sensors
Specific embodiment where the tracking system is electromagnetic, the probe is a trans-rectal ultrasound probe with a needle guide, and ultrasound imaging is obtained with the TRUS probe.
Real-time retrieval of biopsy site markings by the computer
Computer configured to receive biopsy site marks in real-time during biopsy procedures.
Support for various diagnostic imaging modalities
Imaging system modalities including MRI, computed tomography, contrast ultrasound, positron emission tomography, and single photon emission computed tomography.
Aggregation of biopsy site distributions across patients
The computer generates biopsy site map distributions aggregated from multiple patients for analysis and procedural improvement.
Graphical display of biopsy site markings in shapes corresponding to biopsy samples
Displaying biopsy site markings on diagnostic images using shapes corresponding to the biopsy sample geometry obtained by the biopsy needle.
The claims collectively cover methods, systems, and computer-readable media for integrating tracked biopsy needle location information during ultrasound-guided biopsies with diagnostic imaging, transforming and marking biopsy sites accurately on diagnostic images, generating biopsy distribution maps, and using these data for clinical guidance and improved cancer detection.
Stated Advantages
Accurate mapping and documentation of biopsy sites within diagnostic images.
Combining the sensitivity of MRI with real-time imaging capability of ultrasound for improved targeted biopsies.
Ability to retrospectively validate image-based cancer detection by correlating pathology results with precise biopsy locations.
Generation of statistical cancer distribution maps to optimize biopsy procedures and improve diagnostic yield.
Documented Applications
Targeted prostate biopsies using fused MRI and real-time trans-rectal ultrasound imaging.
Documentation and mapping of biopsy sites in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment planning.
Reference for planning future targeted re-biopsies where prior biopsy results were negative but clinical suspicion remains high.
Training clinicians and enhancing image processing algorithms for cancer detection using correlated biopsy location data.
Use in other medical procedures involving positioning of devices and localization within various body regions, not limited to the prostate.
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