Biopsy Needle Integrated with Rotational Oblique Spectral Ultrasound (ROSUS) Imaging

TL;DR

A new biopsy needle with integrated ultrasound imaging improves vessel detection and safety during cancer diagnosis.

Contribution

ROSUS integrates rotational oblique spectral ultrasound into an 18-gauge biopsy needle for enhanced vascular contrast.

Findings

ROSUS achieved a blood–tissue contrast ratio improvement of over 1.2 dB compared to conventional B-mode processing.

The device maintains high spatial resolution of 85 µm axially and 424 µm laterally.

Frequency-domain spectral processing enhances vessel and tissue differentiation during needle insertion.

Abstract

Biopsy procedures are essential for definitive cancer diagnosis but remain limited by the risk of accidental blood vessel puncture, which can lead to hemorrhage and procedural failure. Conventional imaging guidance often provides insufficient vascular contrast, making vessel avoidance during needle insertion challenging. A rotational oblique spectral ultrasound (ROSUS) imaging system was developed to improve vessel detection and needle guidance during biopsy procedures. The device integrates a high-frequency PMN-PT 1–3 composite transducer mounted at a 45° angle within the 18-gauge needle tip, enabling simultaneous forward- and side-looking capability. By combining synchronized rotational–axial scanning with multifrequency signal ratio (MFSR) processing, ROSUS achieved volumetric images with blood–tissue contrast ratio improvement over 1.2 dB compared to conventional B-mode signal processing while maintaining high spatial resolution of 85 µm and 424 µm in axial and lateral directions, respectively. These results demonstrate that frequency-domain spectral processing can improve vessel and tissue differentiation, offering an 18-gauge needle-integrated platform for safer and more accurate biopsy needle-based procedures.

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