WO2021154186A1

WO2021154186A1 - A system which facilitates determination of the position of a biopsy needle under magnetic resonance imaging

Info

Publication number: WO2021154186A1
Application number: PCT/TR2021/050076
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ozgur Kocaturk
Original assignee: Bogazici Universitesi
Priority date: 2020-01-28
Filing date: 2021-01-27
Publication date: 2021-08-05

Abstract

The invention is a system comprising a biopsy needle (100) that has at least one body (110) for inserting into the body so as to be used in biopsy processes carried out under MRI. Whereas, it comprises at least one marker conductor (120) provided in said body (110) so as to generate magnetic field when electric current passes through the same, a power source (400) configured to provide electrical current to said marker conductor (120).

Description

A SYSTEM WHICH FACILITATES DETERMINATION OF THE POSITION OF A BIOPSY NEEDLE UNDER MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a system comprising a biopsy needle that has at least one body for inserting into the body so as to be used in biopsy processes carried out under MRI.

PRIOR ART

Biopsy processes are carried out by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) so as to receive tissue samples for diagnosis such as breast, thyroid, and prostate biopsy. However, monitoring the biopsy needles and needle guide under MRI is generally difficult. The biopsy needles are covered with markers having ferromagnetic properties, and needle guides contain biocompatible MRI contrast fluids in the current systems that are used in the clinic. The needles may contain two coaxial cylinders, and MRI contrast fluids can be provided between the cylinders. Generally, it is aimed to monitor the needle guide under MRI and to carry out the biopsy processes by means of advancing the needle in the guide with the help of T2-weighted MRI sequences.

In the US patent application numbered US8423120, a method that provides to perform biopsy by means of MRI is disclosed.

In the state of the art, there are needles containing weak ferromagnetic markers that will create image artifacts in a specific MRI sequence so as to perform prostate biopsy under MRI, the needle guide which consists of two coaxial cylindrical tubes, can be viewed under MRI by filling the space between the tubes with contrast medium such as Gadolinium. The physical size of the artifact created by the ferromagnetic passive markers on the needle changes due to the orientation of the needle and the sequences used during MRI; the changes made in MRI sequence parameters so as to monitor the tumor tissue more clearly, usually affect the the needle visualization adversely,. The needle guide allows the guide to be monitored in the sagittal plane by means of the chamber designed so as to fill the MR contrast fluid. As a result, all abovementioned problems have made it necessary to make an improvement in the relevant technical field.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to system in order to eliminate the abovementioned disadvantages and to bring new advantages to the relevant technical field.

An aim of the invention is to facilitate the determination of the position and orientation of the biopsy needle in MRI biopsy.

The invention is a system comprising a biopsy needle that has at least one body for inserting into the body so as to be used in biopsy processes carried out under MRI so as to realize all aims mentioned above and achieved from the following detailed description. Whereas, it comprises at least one marker conductor provided in said body so as to generate magnetic field when electric current passes through the same, a power source configured to provide electrical current to said marker conductor. Thus, monitoring of the biopsy needle in MRI biopsy is facilitated; also determination of the position and orientation of the same is facilitated. Also, the needle’s requirement of having two cylindrical structures that are provided coaxially is eliminated, and the diameter of the needle can be reduced.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that, the marker conductor is an MRI compatible conductive ink connected with the body.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that, the marker conductor comprises conductive paths to allow electrical current so as to pass over the same, said conductive paths are provided on the body so as to form an asymmetrical pattern. Thus, it is provided that the orientation is determined in an easier manner compared to symmetrical structures.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that, at least one of the marker conductors is provided on the body in the form of a planar coil.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that, at least one of the marker conductors is in the form of a solenoid coil and the conductive paths defining the solenoid coil are wound around the body. Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that, it comprises a first marker conductor in a planar coil form, a second marker conductor in a planar coil form and a third marker conductor in a solenoid coil form that are provided on the body. Therefore, it is provided that the accuracy of the position and orientation of the biopsy needle is determined in an increased manner.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that; it comprises a control unit associated with the power supply so as to control the power supply to adjust the current that the power supply transmits to the marker conductor.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that; it comprises a user interface associated with the control unit so as to provide command input to the control unit.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that, said control unit is configured in a manner such that the power supply transmits an electrical current to the marker conductor at the scanning frequency of a scanning MRI device and/or a frequency in multiples of the scanning frequency. Therefore, the artifact created by the biopsy needle is provided to be monitored constantly on the screen of the MRI device. Said power source communicates with the MRI device (for example, over the TTL signal) and is activated when RF energy is applied during monitoring in the used MRI sequence, thus a more effective artifact formation is provided.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that; it consists of a Faraday cage surrounding said power supply. Therefore, the power source is prevented from creating magnetic noise on MRI images.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that, it comprises a guide body having a guide channel that contains an inlet opening provided at one end and an outlet opening at the other end so as to pass the biopsy needle through the same, at least one guide marker conductor provided on said guide body. Therefore, the position and orientation of the body can be determined more properly, and the position and orientation of the biopsy needle can be determined with increased accuracy because they are connected with each other in a certain manner.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that, it comprises conductive paths that are provided to circulate around the inlet opening and/or outlet opening of said guide marker conductor. Therefore, it is provided that the accuracy of the position and orientation of the guide channel thus the biopsy needle is determined in an increased manner.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that, said power source is configured to transmit current to said guide marker conductor, and the control unit is configured to control the current that the power source transmits to the guide marker conductor.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that, the radio frequency antenna that is patterned with the conductive ink on the guide is set to the frequency of the MRI device so as to transmit the radio frequency signal received from the anatomical structures around the same to the MRI device and is configured to be used as a receiving antenna.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that, the guide marker conductor is the conductive ink connected with the guide body.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that, the guide body is in the cylindrical form and the guide channel is positioned such that the inlet opening is at a first end of the guide body and the outlet opening is at a second end opposite the first end of the cylindrical body.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that, the guide body is in cylindrical form and the guide channel is positioned in a manner such that the first opening and the second opening are mutually on the side wall of the guide body.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that, the guide marker conductor is connected to the guide body in a manner such that it forms an asymmetrical pattern.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that, it comprises a protective layer that covers the guide body.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that, said protective layer is at least partially transparent. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

An illustrative view of the inventive system is given in Figure 1.

An illustrative view of the biopsy needle is given in Figure 2.

An illustrative view of the possible embodiment of the biopsy needle is given in Figure 3.

An illustrative view of the guide body and the biopsy needle is given in Figure 4.

An illustrative view of the possible embodiments of the guide body is given in Figure 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In this detailed description, the subject of the invention is described by means of examples only for clarifying the subject matter such that no limiting effect is created.

The subject of the invention is a system that comprises a biopsy needle (100) whose position and orientation determination is facilitated by MRI scanning so as to direct the same to a target tissue in the body and a guide body (200) that guides said biopsy needle (100).

With reference to Figure 2 and Figure 3, the guide needle comprises a body (110) to be inserted into the body. Said body (110) may also contain various elements so as to (not shown in the figure) obtain samples from the target tissue or advance through the tissue. It comprises at least one marker conductor (120) so as to generate magnetic field when electric current passes through the body (110). The inventive system also comprises a power supply (400) to transmit current to the marker conductor (120). The marker conductor (120) and power supply (400) are connected to provide electrical current from power supply (400) to marker conductor (120).

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that, the marker conductor (120) is a conductive ink. The marker conductor (120) is formed by processing the conductive ink on the body (110).

The marker conductor (120) may comprise conductor paths (121) that are arranged to form a predetermined and unsymmetrical pattern. Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that, a plurality of marker conductors (120) can be provided on the body (110). A first marker conductor (122) is provided on the body (110) in planar coil form. A second marker conductor (123) is in the form of a solenoid coil, and the conductive paths (121) are arranged so as to surround the body (110) in a manner such that it is wrapped around the body (110) so as to form the solenoid coil form. The marker conductors (120) are provided in planes different from one another to create unique magnetic fields for device visualization.

With reference to Figure 4 and Figure 5, the guide body (200) comprises a guide channel (210) that has a front opening and a rear opening for the biopsy needle (100) so as to pass through. Said guide body (200) may be in the cylindrical form. The guide body (200) may comprise a plurality of guide channels (210). It may comprise guide marker conductors (250) so as to generate magnetic field when electric current passes over the guide body (200). The guide marker conductors (250) may comprise conductor paths (121) that are arranged to form an asymmetrical pattern. The guide marker conductor (120) (250) is also associated with the power supply (400) so as to receive electrical current from power supply (400). The conductive paths (121) of the guide marker conductor (250) are arranged so as to surround an area on the surface where the inlet opening (230) and the outlet opening (240) are positioned, in which the outlet opening (240) and the inlet opening (230) are contained. Therefore, determining the position of the inlet opening (230) and the outlet opening (240) is facilitated.

The guide body (200) may be placed into the patient's body from the anus, for example, during Prostate biopsy.

Said guide body (200) may be in the cylindrical form. The inlet opening (230) and the outlet opening (240) may be provided at the circular ends of the cylindrical body (110), the guide channel (210) may be provided along the cylindrical body (110). In a possible embodiment of the invention, one of the inlet opening (230) and outlet opening (240) may be provided on one of the side walls of the cylindrical structure and the other on the wall opposite this side wall. The guide body (200) may comprise a protective layer (260) such that it surrounds the guide marker conductor (250). Said protective layer (260) may be at least partially transparent so as to make the marker conductor (120) at least partially visible. The system comprises a faraday cage surrounding the power supply (400). Therefore, the magnetic field generated by the power source (400) is prevented from creating undesired noise in the MRI device (500).

The power source (400) can be a DC or AC current power generator.

With reference to Figure 1 , it comprises a control unit (300) that controls the power supply (400). Said control unit (300) controls the electrical current transmitted from the power supply (400) to the marker conductor (120) and to the guide marker conductor (250). The control unit (300) can control the frequency and amplitude of the current provided by the power supply (400), and can completely cut off or re-send the current transmitted by means of the power supply (400).

The control unit is associated with MRI device (500). The control unit (300) detects the scanning frequency of the MRI device (500) (when it transmits the RF signal), the marker conductor (120) and the guide marker conductor (120) (250) provide AC current to be transmitted at this frequency. Therefore, desired artifact size is created during MRI imaging. In a possible embodiment, it may sent AC current in multiples of the scanning frequency.

The guide body (200) may also contain the marker channels (not shown in the figure) in which a contrast agent is placed.

The scanning frequency mentioned here refers to the magnetic field frequency generated by the coils of the MRI device (500) so as to generate the MRI image within the MRI sequence. Therefore, local magnetic distortion is provided by transmitting current to the marker conductors (120) in the biopsy needle (100) and the guide body (200), the position and the orientation of the biopsy needle (100) is facilitated with the help of this distortion.

The control unit (300) comprises; a memory unit (320), a processor unit (310) that determines the scanning frequency of the MRI device (500) by executing the command lines in said memory unit (320), thus provides sending current to the marker conductor (120) and the guide marker conductor (250) at an appropriate frequency by controlling the power supply (400). The processor unit (310) may be a microprocessor, and the memory unit (320) may contain memory and memory combinations that allow the data to be stored permanently and temporarily therein. The control unit (300) can be a general or special purpose computer. The control unit (300) also comprises a communication unit (340). Said communication unit (340) comprises inlets and outlets that allow the processor unit (310) to communicate with the MRI device (500), the power supply (400) and the other external electronic devices.

The control unit (300) also comprises a user interface (330). Said user interface (330) allows entering the commands that change the settings of the current transmitted to the marker conductor (120) and the guide marker conductor (120) (250) manually, stops, restarts the same. The control unit (300) may also allow the marker conductors to be exposed to currents at different frequencies. Therefore, each guide conductor emits electromagnetic magnetic waves in a different channel.

The present invention described in detail hereinabove operates as follows. The biopsy needle (100) is passed through the guide channel (210) to penetrate the body so as to reach the target tissue. The current is transmitted to the marker conductor (120) and the guide marker conductors (250) by the control unit (300) according to the initiation of transmit radio frequency waves of the MRI device (500).

In more detail, the processor unit (310) communicates with the MRI device (for example, over the TTL signal) and is activated when RF energy is applied during monitoring in the used MRI sequence, thus a more effective artifact formation is provided. Said TTL signal refers to the signal that informs when the MRI device transmits electromagnetic waves to the other devices.

The position and orientation of the biopsy needle (100) and the guide body (200) can be determined by means of a display of the MRI device (500). Therefore, the orientation of the biopsy needle (100) to the target tissue is facilitated. The artifacts created by the biopsy needle (100) and the guiding body (200) can be controlled through the user interface (330), the amplitude of the current frequency transmitted to the marker conductor (120) and to the guide pointer conductor (120) (250) can be changed, fully cut off.

The protection scope of the invention is specified in the appended claims and cannot be limited to the description made for illustrative purposes in this detailed description. Likewise, it is clear that a person skilled in the art can present similar embodiments in the light of the above descriptions without departing from the main theme of the invention. REFERENCE NUMBERS GIVEN IN THE FIGURE

100 Biopsy needle 110 Body

120 Marker Conductor

121 Conductive path

122 First marker conductor

123 Second marker conductor

124 Third marker conductor 200 Guide body

210 Guide channel 230 Inlet opening 240 Outlet opening 250 Guide marker conductor 260 Protective layer 300 Control unit

310 Processing unit 320 Memory unit 330 User Interface 340 Communication unit 400 Power Supply 500 MRI device

Claims

1. A system comprising a biopsy needle (100) that has at least one body (110) for inserting into the body so as to be used in MRI biopsy, characterized in that; it comprises at least one marker conductor (120) provided in said body (110) so as to generate magnetic field when electric current passes through the same, a power supply (400) configured to provide electrical current to said marker conductor (120).

2. A system according to claim 1 , characterized in that, the marker conductor (120) is a conductive ink that is connected to the body (110).

3. A system according to claim 1 , characterized in that, the marker conductor (120) comprises conductive paths (121) to allow electrical current to pass over the same, said conductive paths (121) are provided on the body (110) so as to form an asymmetrical pattern.

4. A system according to claim 1 , characterized in that, at least one of the marker conductors (120) is provided on the body (110) in the form of a planar coil.

5. A system according to claim 1 , characterized in that, at least one of the marker conductors (120) is in the form of a solenoid coil and the conductive paths (121) defining the solenoid coil are wound around the body (110).

6. A system according to claim 1 , characterized in that; it comprises a first marker conductor (122) in a solenoid coil form, a second marker conductor (123) in a planar coil form and a third marker conductor (124) in a planar coil form that are provided on the body (110).

7. A system according to claim 1 , characterized in that; it comprises a control unit (300) associated with the power supply (400) so as to control the power supply (400) to adjust the current that the power supply (400) transmits to the marker conductor (120).

8. A system according to claim 7, characterized in that; it comprises a user interface (330) associated with the control unit (300) so as to provide command input to the control unit (300).

9. A system according to claim 7, characterized in that; said control unit (300) is configured in a manner such that the power supply (400) transmits an electrical current to the marker conductor (120) at the scanning frequency of a scanning MRI device (500) and/or a frequency in multiples of the scanning frequency.

10. A system according to claim 1 , characterized in that; it consists of a Faraday cage surrounding said power supply (400).

11. A system according to claim 1 , characterized in that; it comprises a guide body (200) having a guide channel (210) that contains an inlet opening (230) provided at one end and an outlet opening (240) at the other end so as to pass the biopsy needle (100) through the same, at least one guide marker conductor (250) provided on said guide body (200).

12. A system according to claim 11 , characterized in that; it comprises conductive paths (121) that are provided to circulate around the inlet opening (230) and/or outlet opening (240) of said guide marker conductor (120) (250).

13. A system according to claim 11 , characterized in that; said power supply (400) is configured to transmit current to said guide marker conductor (250), the control unit (300) is configured to control the current that the power supply (400) transmits to the guide marker conductor (250).

14. A system according to claim 11 , characterized in that; the guide (210) marker conductor (120) is the conductive ink connected with the guide body (200).

15. A system according to claim 11 , characterized in that; the guide body (200) is in cylindrical form and the guide channel (210) is positioned in a manner such that the inlet opening (230) is at a first end of the guide body (200) and the outlet opening (240) is at a second end opposite the first end of the cylindrical body (110).

16. A system according to claim 11 , characterized in that; the guide body (200) is in cylindrical form and the guide channel (210) is positioned in a manner such that the first opening and the second opening are mutually on the side wall of the guide body (200).

17. A system according to claim 11 , characterized in that; the guide marker conductor (250) is connected to the guide body (200) in a manner such that it forms an asymmetrical pattern.

18. A system according to claim 11 , characterized in that; it comprises one protective layer (260) that surrounds the guide body (200).

19. A system according to claim 18, characterized in that; said protective layer (260) is at least partially transparent.