Autonomous Needle
Autonomous needle technology aims to improve the precision and safety of minimally invasive procedures by automating needle insertion and manipulation. Current research focuses on developing robust control algorithms, often incorporating machine learning (like U-Nets and model predictive control) and advanced imaging techniques (ultrasound, MRI, optical markers) for accurate needle guidance and real-time feedback. This field is significant because it promises to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of various medical procedures, from biopsies and drug delivery to neurosurgery, potentially improving patient outcomes and expanding access to minimally invasive care.
Papers
Shape Manipulation of Bevel-Tip Needles for Prostate Biopsy Procedures: A Comparison of Two Resolved-Rate Controllers
Yanzhou Wang, Lidia Al-Zogbi, Jiawei Liu, Lauren Shepard, Ahmed Ghazi, Junichi Tokuda, Simon Leonard, Axel Krieger, Iulian Iordachita
CRANE: A Redundant, Multi-Degree-of-Freedom Computed Tomography Robot for Heightened Needle Dexterity within a Medical Imaging Bore
Dimitrious Schreiber, Zhaowei Yu, Taylor Henderson, Derek Chen, Alexander Norbasha, Michael C. Yip