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A novel clip-on device for electromagnetic tracking in endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscopy

Abstract

Introduction The established method for assessment of mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes is endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscopy (EBUS) with needle aspirations. Previously, we presented an electromagnetic navigation platform for this purpose. There were several issues with the permanent electromagnetic tracking (EMT) sensor attachment on the tip of the experimental EBUS bronchoscope. The purpose was to develop a device for on-site attachment of the EMT sensor. Material and methods A clip-on EMT sensor attachment device was 3D-printed in Ultem™ and attached to an EBUS bronchoscope. A specially designed ultrasound probe calibration adapter was developed for on-site and quick probe calibration. Navigation accuracy was studied using a wire cross water phantom and clinical feasibility was tested in a healthy volunteer. Results The device attached to the EBUS bronchoscope increased its diameter from 6.9 mm to 9.5 mm. Average preclinical navigation accuracy was 3.9 mm after adapter calibration. The maneuvering of the bronchoscope examining a healthy volunteer was adequate without harming the respiratory epithelium, and the device stayed firmly attached. Conclusion Development, calibration and testing of a clip-on EMT sensor attachment device for EBUS bronchoscopy was successfully demonstrated. Acceptable accuracy results were obtained, and the device is ready to be tested in patient studies.
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Category

Academic article

Language

English

Author(s)

Affiliation

  • SINTEF Digital / Health Research
  • Delft University of Technology
  • Nord Trondelag Hospital Trust
  • St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital
  • Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Year

2022

Published in

MITAT. Minimally invasive therapy & allied technologies

ISSN

1364-5706

Volume

31

Issue

7

Page(s)

1041 - 1049

View this publication at Norwegian Research Information Repository