Automatic needle insertion location identification
US9730762B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 15, 2013 |
| Grant date | Aug 15, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 6, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01R33/3692
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.