Summary:
UCLA researchers in the Department of Interventional Radiology have developed a device to secure a needle during image-guided, minimally-invasive procedures, mitigating unwanted migration between scans.
Background:
Minimally invasive procedures in medicine are becoming increasingly popular, taking the place of traditional open surgeries. These procedures involve percutaneous needle punctures to access subcutaneous and deeper tissues. Unlike traditional procedures, these often do not require large incisions, making them a preferred choice of the patients undergoing them. However, since they are performed without visual guidance, these procedures rely on imaging guidance, commonly from MRI and CT, to ensure correct needle positioning. Beginning with a planning scan to visualize the target, Imaging needs to be repeated throughout the procedure to monitor needle position as its inserted, a cumbersome and process that is often performed free-hand. The movement of the patient, both into the imaging apparatus and from breathing, can cause the needle to shift. This often leads to poor targeting, increased procedure time and failure probability, and higher radiation exposure. As more procedures shift to a minimally invasive modality, there is an increasing need for radiologic needle placement and guidance tools.
Innovation:
To address these needs, researchers in UCLA’s Department of Interventional Radiology have developed a light-weight, disposable device that anchors a needle in its desired position during interventional radiologic procedures. The device can be constructed from a single piece of easily manufactured, low-cost material such as paper or cardboard. Suspending a needle in 3D space, this innovation ensures precise alignment with the planned trajectory and reduces the risk for unwanted migration by utilizing a locking mechanism. The device can accommodate different needle sizes and is compatible with multiple imaging systems, including MRI and CT. The proposed innovation thus reduces the manual burden placed on operating room staff, freeing up resources for improved patient outcome.
Potential Applications:
• CT and MRI-guided procedures
• Needle-based ablation procedures
• Ultrasound-guided interventions
Advantages:
• Mass producible for low cost
• Universal for all commercial needle sizes
• Simple to use – apply to and disengage from needle
• MRI compatible
• Small profile, lightweight & sterile
State of Development:
A functional prototype has been produced and successfully tested in vitro.
Reference:
UCLA Case No. 2024-207
Lead Inventor:
David Lu, UCLA clinical professor of Radiology.