Value of a laser guidance system for CT interventions: a phantom study.

The aim of this study was to check the handling and usefulness of a laser puncture system. The laser has tacking optics and is fastened to a sledge with angle graduation. The sledge runs on a bar fixed to the computerized tomograph (CT) parallel to the scan level. By means of a phantom, three experienced and seven inexperienced physicians made punctures with and without laser, using varying angles in single and double angulation. The distance from needle tip to target was measured. The handling of the puncture system proved to be problem-free. With both single and double angulation, the measurement differences with and without support were so small among experienced puncturers that there was no significant difference, with the exception of one double angulation (10 degrees/45 degrees). Among the beginners, there was a significant difference (P < 0.001, P < 0.05), with both single and double angulation. The accuracy of the beginners improved with use of the laser; experienced puncturers may profit from practice with small and hard-to-reach focuses. In terms of educational benefits, the laser guidance system offers great advantages and increased confidence for beginners.