An augmented reality-guided biopsy system using a high-speed motion tracking and real-time registration platform.

Abstract

Biopsies play a crucial role in diagnosis of various diseases including cancers. In this study, we developed an augmented reality (AR) system to improve biopsy procedures and increase targeting accuracy. Our AR-guided biopsy system uses a high-speed motion tracking technology and an AR headset to display a holographic representation of the organ, lesions, and other structures of interest superimposed on real physical objects. The first application of our AR system is prostate biopsy. By incorporating preoperative scans, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), into real-time ultrasound-guided procedures, this innovative AR-guided system enables clinicians to see the lesion as well as the organs in real time. With the enhanced visualization of the prostate, lesion, and surrounding organs, surgeons can perform prostate biopsies with an increased accuracy. Our AR-guided biopsy system yielded an average targeting accuracy of 2.94 ± 1.04 mm and can be applied for real-time guidance of prostate biopsy as well as other biopsy procedures.