Enabling In-Bore MRI-Guided Biopsies With Force Feedback

IEEE Trans Haptics. 2020 Jan-Mar;13(1):159-166. doi: 10.1109/TOH.2020.2967375. Epub 2020 Jan 16.

Abstract

Limited physical access to target organs of patients inside an MRI scanner is a major obstruction to real-time MRI-guided interventions. Traditional teleoperation technologies are incompatible with the MRI environment and although several solutions have been explored, a versatile system that provides high-fidelity haptic feedback and access deep inside the bore remains a challenge. We present a passive and nearly frictionless MRI-compatible hydraulic teleoperator designed for in-bore liver biopsies. We describe the design components, characterize the system transparency, and evaluate the performance with a user study in a laboratory and a clinical setting. The results demonstrate % difference between input and output forces during realistic manipulation. A user study with participants conducting mock needle biopsy tasks indicates that a remote operator performs equally well when using the device as when holding a biopsy needle directly in hand. Additionally, MRI compatibility tests show no reduction in signal-to-noise ratio in the presence of the device.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Equipment Design
  • Feedback, Sensory*
  • Humans
  • Image-Guided Biopsy / methods*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Robotic Surgical Procedures / instrumentation*
  • Robotic Surgical Procedures / methods*
  • Robotics*
  • Touch Perception*