Convolution neural networks for real-time needle detection and localization in 2D ultrasound

We propose a framework for automatic and accurate detection of steeply inserted needles in 2D ultrasound data using convolution neural networks. We demonstrate its application in needle trajectory estimation and tip localization.

Our approach consists of a unified network, comprising a fully convolutional network (FCN) and a fast region-based convolutional neural network (R-CNN). The FCN proposes candidate regions, which are then fed to a fast R-CNN for finer needle detection. We leverage a transfer learning paradigm, where the network weights are initialized by training with non-medical images, and fine-tuned with ex vivo ultrasound scans collected during insertion of a 17G epidural needle into freshly excised porcine and bovine tissue at depth settings up to 9 cm and \(40^{\circ }\)–\(75^{\circ }\) insertion angles. Needle detection results are used to accurately estimate needle trajectory from intensity invariant needle features and perform needle tip localization from an intensity search along the needle trajectory.

Our needle detection model was trained and validated on 2500 ex vivo ultrasound scans. The detection system has a frame rate of 25 fps on a GPU and achieves 99.6% precision, 99.78% recall rate and an \({F}_{1}\) score of 0.99. Validation for needle localization was performed on 400 scans collected using a different imaging platform, over a bovine/porcine lumbosacral spine phantom. Shaft localization error of \(0.82^{\circ }\pm 0.4^{\circ }\), tip localization error of \(0.23\pm 0.05\) mm, and a total processing time of 0.58 s were achieved.

The proposed method is fully automatic and provides robust needle localization results in challenging scanning conditions. The accurate and robust results coupled with real-time detection and sub-second total processing make the proposed method promising in applications for needle detection and localization during challenging minimally invasive ultrasound-guided procedures.