Clear guidance.
You cannot predict where the next image-guided intervention will take place. But you can make it more accessible.
Imaging.
More and more image-guided interventions are performed under ultrasound guidance.
Imaging with ultrasound is safe, fast, and low-cost. However, ultrasound is much more operator-dependent than other modalities, such as CT or MRI.
Guiding e.g. needle interventions with ultrasound therefore requires a substantial amount of training and experience to achieve success and consistent results.
Tracking.
Reducing the technical footprint is one step towards simpler, more accessible interventions.
One technical challenge in image-guided interventions is the correct placement of tools and imaging devices relative to each other, and to the patient. This problem is usually solved by means of tracking.
Conventionally, tracking systems are complex, cumbersome, and very expensive devices such as electromagnetic (EM) or optical localizers.
Guidance.
Even with expert imaging and skillful operation, the question of "Where is my target?" remains.
Up to now, operators had to perform this navigation in their head.
Provinding guidance towards the target intuitively and directly in-situ will constitute a breakthrough in reducing distractions and attention splits.
