Aim Needle visibility is crucial for effective and safe
ultrasound-guided interventional procedures. Several
studies have investigated needle visibility in 2D ultrasound
imaging, but less information is available for 3D ultrasound
imaging, a modality that has great potential for image
guidance interventions. We performed a prospective study,
to quantitatively compare the echogenicity of various
commercially available needles in 3D ultrasound images
used in clinical practice under freehand needle
introduction.
Materials and Methods A set of seven needles, containing
biopsy needles, a TIPS needle, an ablation needle and a
puncture needle, were included in the study. A liver-
mimicking phantom and cow liver were punctured by each
needle. 3D sweeps and real-time 3D data were acquired at
three different angles (20°, 55° and 90°). Needle visibility
was quantified by calculating contrast-to-noise ratio.
Results In the liver-mimicking phantom, all needles
showed better visibility than in the cow liver. At large
angles, contrast-to-noise ratio and needle visibility were
almost similar in both cases, but at lower angles differences
in visibility were observed with different types of needles.
Conclusion The contrast-to-noise ratio increased with the
increase in angle of insonation. The difference in visibility

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• Needle Tip Visibility in 3D Ultrasound Images