Research of Automatic Needle Puncture Based on Ultrasound Image Processing

The technology of needle biopsy and targeted therapy are minimally invasive medical treatments which have many prospects in application. Because of the deformation of biopsy tissue and the bending of flexible needle, it´s difficult to accurately control the needle trajectory. For this, we propose an algorithm to determine automatic needle insertion based on ultrasound image processing technology. This method uses image processing algorithms to locate the focal region, then applies snake algorithm (active contour models) and concavity and convexity of boundary to analyze the border traits of tumor region; finally, with the implementation of evaluating relative position of the needle and tumor region, and whether it´s suitable to puncture in the focal region around the possible needle puncture point, the prediction of adjusting the angle of the needle puncture is realized. This method provides an effective guide for the realization of automatic needle puncture based on ultrasound image processing.