Phantom Evaluation of an Image-Guided Navigation System based on Electromagnetic Tracking and Open Source Software

摘要

We have developed an image-guided navigation system using electromagnetically-tracked tools, with potential applications for abdominal procedures such as biopsies, radiofrequency ablations, and radioactive seed placements. We present the results of two phantom studies using our navigation system in a clinical environment. In the first study, a physician and medical resident performed a total of 18 targeting passes in the abdomen of an anthropomorphic phantom based solely upon image guidance. The distance between the target and needle tip location was measured based on confirmatory scans which gave an average of 3.56 mm. In the second study, three foam nodules were placed at different depths in a gelatin phantom. Ten targeting passes were attempted in each of the three depths. Final distances between the target and needle tip were measured which gave an average of 3.00 mm. In addition to these targeting studies, we discuss our refinement to the standard four-quadrant image-guided navigation user interface, based on clinician preferences. We believe these refinements increase the usability of our system while decreasing targeting error.