Augmented reality system for MRI-guided interventions: a cadaver study

Implementation of MRI guidance in place of CT or X-ray would reduce ionizing radiation exposure and provide better soft tissue contrast in a wide range of musculoskeletal targets in children. We developed an augmented reality guidance system for MR-guided interventions. The system allowed interventional radiologist to plan a needle trajectory and projected guidance information onto the skin through an optical head. The interventional radiologist advanced the needle while following the real-time guidance to reach the desired target. The purpose of this study was to evaluate feasibility of using this system to target shoulder, hip, sacroiliac joints and liver in a cadaver. In total, 12 locations were targeted, and all needles were successfully placed. The system was subjectively judged to be easy to use and to fit within the established clinical workflow of image-guided needle-based interventions.