Date of Award
2006
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program
Medical Biophysics
Supervisor
Dr. Aaron Fenster
Abstract
Image-guided needle biopsies are currently used to provide a definitive diagnosis of breast cancer; however, difficulties in tumour targeting exist as the ultrasound (US) scan plane and biopsy needle must remain coplanar throughout the procedure to display the actual needle tip position. We developed a system that would increase the speed and accuracy of current breast biopsy procedures using readily available 2-dimensional (2D) US technology. This system is composed of a passive articulated mechanical arm that attaches to a 2D US transducer, which provides visual guidance for the physician performing the procedure in the form of a real-time projected needle pathway overlay on an US image of the breast. Accuracy testing indicated a mean needle trajectory accuracy error of 0.75 ± 0.42mm. Tliis is adequate to sample lesions that are < 2mm in diameter. Core needle biopsy procedure time testing indicated faster biopsy procedure times wlιen using the guidance system versus the free-hand technique (p < 0.001)
Recommended Citation
Bluvol, Nathan, "DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF A 2-DIMENSIONAL ULTRASOUND NEEDLE GUIDANCE SYSTEM FOR BIOPSY" (2006). Digitized Theses. 5015.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/5015
