A steerable guiding device: the new method in ultrasound guidance.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

A working model (WM) of a newly designed device for ultrasound-guided puncture was tested.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

WM featured a wheel-shaped metallic guide that passively rotated within the plane of view as the operator tried to redirect the needle. Four operators performed US-guided intercostal puncture of 24 targets in phantoms using a commercially available preset needle guide (PG). 24 other targets were punctured using WM that we have made. The number of needle passage, procedure time, and the number of inadvertent rib touchings were compared between PG use and WM use.

RESULTS

Performance of WM was comparable to that of PG except in one operator, where WM was associated with fewer needle passage (P = 0.0044) and less procedure time (P = 0.0233).

CONCLUSIONS

It is believed that WM will make US-guided procedures both easier and more flexible. The performance of new device should be investigated by in vivo studies.