Epidural Needle Insertion Simulator: A device for training resident anaesthesiologists

Epidural anaesthesia is a pain relief technique commonly performed on patients in labor. It requires insertion of a needle into patients back into the epidural space of the spine and inject anaesthetic. It is a blind procedure and anaesthesiologists rely only on the forces felt during needle insertion to determine the position of the needle tip....

Needle Detection and Localization in Ultrasound Images based on Deep Learning

The technique of ultrasound-guided needle insertion is commonly employed in various clinical fields, including biopsy, anesthesia, brachytherapy, and ablation. However, the visibility of the needle in ultrasound (US) images remains a persistent challenge. To improve the guidance accuracy of needle insertion during interventions, it is crucial to...

Forces in needle interventions: Measuring tip forces

Accurate positioning of the needle tip during insertion is essential to ensure a maximum effect of the treatment. Target error is a problem and a lot research fields aim to improve needle insertions. The possibility to measure cutting force and stiffness force separately from friction forces supports the development of new types of needles,...