Published in:
01-12-2016 | Original Article
Automatic path proposal computation for CT-guided percutaneous liver biopsy
Authors:
A. Helck, C. Schumann, J. Aumann, K. Thierfelder, F. F. Strobl, M. Braunagel, M. Niethammer, D. A. Clevert, R. T. Hoffmann, M. Reiser, T. Sandner, C. Trumm
Published in:
International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery
|
Issue 12/2016
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Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate feasibility of automatic software-based path proposals for CT-guided percutaneous biopsies.
Methods
Thirty-three patients (60 \(\pm \) 12 years) referred for CT-guided biopsy of focal liver lesions were consecutively included. Pre-interventional CT and dedicated software (FraunhoferMeVis Pathfinder) were used for (semi)automatic segmentation of relevant structures. The software subsequently generated three path proposals in downward quality for CT-guided biopsy. Proposed needle paths were compared with consensus proposal of two experts (comparable, less suitable, not feasible). In case of comparable results, equivalent approach to software-based path proposal was used. Quality of segmentation process was evaluated (Likert scale, 1 \(=\) best, 6 \(=\) worst), and time for processing was registered.
Results
All biopsies were performed successfully without complications. In 91 % one of the three automatic path proposals was rated comparable to experts’ proposal. None of the first proposals was rated not feasible, and 76 % were rated comparable to the experts’ proposal. 7 % automatic path proposals were rated not feasible, all being second choice (\(n=1\)) or third choice (\(n=6\)). In 79 %, segmentation at least was good. Average total time for establishing automatic path proposal was 42 \(\pm \) 9 s.
Conclusion
Automatic software-based path proposal for CT-guided liver biopsies in the majority provides path proposals that are easy to establish and comparable to experts’ insertion trajectories.