Image Guidance and Safe Insertion Region Localization for Lumbar Puncture using Ultrasound
Abstract: Our work advances lumbar puncture (LP) techniques by integrating motion tracked ultrasound and MRI imaging, for providing improved visualization of the interspinous spaces. We created a method where point clouds derived from ultrasound scans of the lumbar spine are registered with high-resolution volumetric MRI ground truth model. This synthesis facilitates the determination of safe needle insertion zones, which are then dynamically displayed on the ultrasound screen, aiding clinicians in real-time during LP procedures. This research has the potential to provide clinicians with direct guidance during LP which may result in reduced risk of procedural complications. Our work represents starting point towards enhanced image guided lumbar puncture.
Advisor: Dr. Christopher Nycz
Committee: Dr. Haichong Zhang, Dr. Yihao Zheng