iGuide CAPPA Knows Where the Tip of the Needle Is

At the ongoing Medica 2008 in Düsseldorf, Germany, Siemens is unveiling its new navigation technology to streamline X-ray assisted percutaneous biopsies and other similar needle procedures.
From the announcement:

The method uses electromagnetic tracking and facilitates interventions such as precise and quick needle placements – for liver biopsies, for vertebroplasties when stabilizing fractured vertebras, or for cancer pain treatment.
For a number of years Siemens has been working together with physicians on navigation solutions that support interventional radiologists during minimally invasive needle procedures as well as improve patient treatment. The innovation iGuide CAPPA is part of the comprehensive navigation solution from Siemens. For a number of months now, the system is being successfully used by several hospitals. "iGuide CAPPA allows for precise and safe placement of electrodes or biopsy devices even in regions that are difficult to evaluate with conventional fluoroscopy,“ explains Dr. Martin Skalej, Director of the Institute for Neuroradiology at the University Hospital in Magdeburg, Germany. He uses the system primarily for different interventions of the spine, e.g., for spinal radiofrequency ablations and for discographies or kyphoplasties. "No further imaging is necessary during the intervention. This reduces the x-ray exposure compared to previous interventions performed in the CT“.
The principle is a simple one: prior to inserting the needle, the Artis zee C-arm generates a 3D soft tissue image of the anatomy to be treated, which is used for orientation by the physician. A sensor in the tip of the needle is tracked in an electromagnetic field created via a field generator. These data are transferred in real time to the iGuide CAPPA system which shows the position of the needle tip on a monitor and superimposes on the previously generated three-dimensional data set of the anatomy. This provides the physician with both the necessary anatomical information as well as the exact position of the needle, so he can safely perform the needle procedures. This method is especially suitable for lengthy and complex interventions by providing improved spatial orientation and hence faster and safer navigation to the actual target. Additionally, the required radiation dose is greatly reduced.

Product page: iGuide CAPPA…
Press release (.pdf)…