1.5 T augmented reality navigated interventional MRI: paravertebral sympathetic plexus injections.

Purpose: The high contrast resolution and absent ionizing radiation of interventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be advantageous for paravertebral sympathetic nerve plexus injections. We assessed the feasibility and technical performance of MRI-guided paravertebral sympathetic injections utilizing augmented reality navigation and 1.5 T MRI scanner.

MR-guided perineural injection of the ganglion impar: technical considerations and feasibility.

Objective: Perineural ganglion impar injections are used in the management of pelvic pain syndromes; however, there is no consensus regarding the optimal image guidance. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides high soft tissue contrast and the potential to directly visualize and target the ganglion. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of MR-guided percutaneous perineural ganglion impar injections.

Comparison between optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy for turbid sample imaging.

Optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy (ORPAM) in theory provides lateral resolution equivalent to the optical diffraction limit. Scattering media, such as biological turbid media, attenuates the optical signal and also alters the diffraction-limited spot size of the focused beam. The ORPAM signal is generated only from a small voxel in scattering media with dimensions equivalent to the laser spot size after passing through scattering layers and is detected by an acoustic transducer, which is not affected by optical scattering.

Radiant exposure level comparison between Gaussian and top hat beams in various scanning patterns.

The radiant exposure of optical irradiation beams with different scanning parameters has been theoretically studied. We analyzed the difference in radiant exposure introduced by Gaussian and top hat beams. Various parameters such as scanning pattern, aperture position, beam size and scan spacing were also introduced in this study.

An average enumeration method of hyperspectral imaging data for quantitative evaluation of medical device surface contamination.

We propose a quantification method called Mapped Average Principal component analysis Score (MAPS) to enumerate the contamination coverage on common medical device surfaces. The method was adapted from conventional Principal Component Analysis (PCA) on non-overlapped regions of a full frame hyperspectral image to resolve the percentage of contamination from the substrate. The concept was proven by using a controlled contamination sample with artificial test soil and color simulating organic mixture, and was further validated using a bacterial system including biofilm on stainless steel surface.

MR-guided vertebroplasty with augmented reality image overlay navigation.

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided vertebroplasty at 1.5 Tesla using augmented reality image overlay navigation.

Materials And Methods: Twenty-five unilateral vertebroplasties [5 of 25 (20%) thoracic, 20 of 25 (80%) lumbar] were prospectively planned in 5 human cadavers.

Augmented reality visualization using image overlay technology for MR-guided interventions: cadaveric bone biopsy at 1.5 T.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to prospectively test the hypothesis that image overlay technology facilitates accurate navigation for magnetic resonance (MR)-guided osseous biopsy.

Materials And Methods: A prototype augmented reality image overlay system was used in conjunction with a clinical 1.5-T MR imaging system.

MR image overlay guidance: system evaluation for preclinical use.

Purpose: A clinical augmented reality guidance system was developed for MRI-guided musculoskeletal interventions Magnetic Resonance Image Overlay System (MR-IOS). The purpose of this study was to assess MRI compatibility, system accuracy, technical efficacy, and operator performance of the MR-IOS.

Methods And Materials: The impact of the MR-IOS on the MR environment was assessed by measuring image quality with signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and signal intensity uniformity with the system in various on/off states.

Augmented reality visualization with use of image overlay technology for MR imaging-guided interventions: assessment of performance in cadaveric shoulder and hip arthrography at 1.5 T.

Purpose: To prospectively assess overlay technology in providing accurate and efficient targeting for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-guided shoulder and hip joint arthrography.

Materials And Methods: A prototype augmented reality image overlay system was used in conjunction with a clinical 1.5-T MR imager.

Augmented reality visualisation using an image overlay system for MR-guided interventions: technical performance of spine injection procedures in human cadavers at 1.5 Tesla.

Objectives: To prospectively assess the technical performance of an augmented reality system for MR-guided spinal injection procedures.

Methods: The augmented reality system was used with a clinical 1.5-T MRI system.

Augmented reality visualization with image overlay for MRI-guided intervention: accuracy for lumbar spinal procedures with a 1.5-T MRI system.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the accuracy of an augmented reality image overlay system in MRI-guided spinal injection procedures.

Materials And Methods: An augmented reality prototype was used in conjunction with a 1.5-T MRI system.

The effect of augmented reality training on percutaneous needle placement in spinal facet joint injections.

The purpose of this study was to determine if augmented reality image overlay and laser guidance systems can assist medical trainees in learning the correct placement of a needle for percutaneous facet joint injection. The Perk Station training suite was used to conduct and record the needle insertion procedures. A total of 40 volunteers were randomized into two groups of 20.

Perk Station--Percutaneous surgery training and performance measurement platform.

Motivation: Image-guided percutaneous (through the skin) needle-based surgery has become part of routine clinical practice in performing procedures such as biopsies, injections and therapeutic implants. A novice physician typically performs needle interventions under the supervision of a senior physician; a slow and inherently subjective training process that lacks objective, quantitative assessment of the surgical skill and performance. Shortening the learning curve and increasing procedural consistency are important factors in assuring high-quality medical care.