Method for determination of the direction of introduction and for controlling the introduction path of biopsy needles

Abstract

With a method for determination of the direction of introduction ( ) and for controlling the introduction path of biopsy needles, probes and similar in organisms ( ) by using an ultrasound imaging machine, a scanning unit ( ) of the ultrasound is placed onto the introduction range of the organism ( ) in order to display an image ( ) according to a sectional plane ( ) in which or along which the directional axis ( ) of the introduction path runs and the biopsy needle or similar is controlled during its actual introduction in the corresponding image display ( ). For improvement of the accuracy of introduction and for an easier procedure a larger volume range ( ) of the organism ( ) is scanned by using a 3D-imaging and with a contingent interim storage of the derived signals by a volume storage the sectional plane ( ) to be displayed is selected according to predeterminable criteria from the volume ( ), after which selection the intended introduction path ( ) is virtually displayed in this image and an e.g. prismatic or cylindrical part of the total volume is selected especially within predeterminable limits ( ) being parallel to the axis of the introduction path within that image ( ), the partial volume being displayed in a 3D-image ( ), in which the biopsy needle or similar can be observed during its later actual introduction.