Felix V. Guettler, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Maximilian De Bucourt MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Peter Krauß, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jonathan Guntermann, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Jens Rump, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Andreas Heinrich, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ulf Karl Martin Teichgraeber MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Without further modifications, the presented tracking system can reduce the intervention time and the corrections of simple interventions with a short access path. The automatic guidance of the image planes via optical tracking, can furthermore lead to an improvement of the workflow and the realization effort of interventions in real time MR-imaging.

Through a medical tracking system, as for a puncture needle during an MR-guided facet joint infiltration (FJI), the position and the orientation of objects can be detected quickly and precisely. This information allows a dynamic and an automatic adaptation of MRI acquisition during a medical intervention. On the example of MR-guided facet joint infiltration, it is to be assessed if the workflow and the success rate of interventions under real-time MR-imaging, can be improved by using this navigation technology.

The image plane control of the MRI (Philips Panorama HFO) occurs through a software developed in-house, which receives the position and situation information through an optical tracking system (NDI Polaris). During the planning phase of the FJI, the puncture area and the target structure are determined manually so that the connecting transversal slice can be displayed. The intervention starts with the needle orientation via „finger-pointing“ technique or virtual alignment aid under real time MR-imaging. While needle infiltration, a representation is accomplished, varying between the transversal plane and a plane adjusting to the orientation and position of the infiltration needle, which inclines about a line parallel to the longitudinal axis (coronar/transversal).

The image plane was tested and could always be aligned reliably by means of the tracking system. Given that no bending occurred, the needle remained visible all the time. In case of needle bending only the transversal slice displays the complete needle.

Guettler, F, De Bucourt, M, Krauß, P, Guntermann, J, Rump, J, Heinrich, A, Teichgraeber, U, Dynamic Tracking on the Example of MR Imaging-guided Facet Joint Infiltration (Preliminary Results).  Radiological Society of North America 2011 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 2, 2011 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2011/11034553.html