Laser-guided computed tomography puncture system: simulation experiments using artificial phantom lesions and preliminary clinical experience.

PURPOSE

To conduct computed tomography (CT)-guided puncture exactly and safely, we newly developed a laser guiding puncture system that can be used in a commercially available CT scanner.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The laser-guided CT puncture system is built on the CT table with an aluminum frame. Preliminary simulation tests were conducted using two models representing the body and nodular lesions, and puncture procedures were carried out for 15 patients using this system.

RESULTS

The mean distance and standard deviation from the center in simulation experiments conducted using this puncture system were 2.95 +/- 1.20 mm for operator A and 3.52 +/- 1.12 mm for operator B. There was no statistically significant difference between the operators (P = 0.40) or the angles (P = 0.32). For five lung biopsy patients, the distance from the target point planned before biopsy to the actual last puncture point was 0-8 mm. For 10 percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) patients (two performed in Th11, one in Th12, five in L1, two in L2), the plan before the puncture procedure was to pass the needle through the vertebral pedicle in all cases. The distance between the planned target point and the actual last puncture point was 0-5 mm.

CONCLUSION

This system has the potential to accomplish the CT-guided puncture procedure safely and accurately.