Optical see-through head-mounted display (OST-HMD)–assisted needle biopsy for breast tumor: a technical innovation

Abstract

Background: Histological examinations using needle biopsy in ultrasound-guided intervention are widely performed to detect lesions by ultrasound. On the other hand, augmented reality (AR) is a new technology that provides new awareness by using a computer to extend the real environment perceived by humans. AR was introduced in the medical field in recent years. Optical see-through head-mounted displays (OST-HMD) are worn on the head and can faithfully generate an AR image by wearing the device on the head as a spectacle-type device. Here, we developed an ultrasound-guided needle biopsy technique using OST-HMD for breast tumors.Methods: Moverio BT-35E (Seiko Epson Corp, Nagano, Japan) was used as the OST-HMD device. This technique involves performing needle biopsy under direct vision via the gap at the bottom of the display while the ultrasound images are projected on the display of the OST-HMD worn on the head. In conventional ultrasound-guided procedures, needle biopsy is performed while maintaining a posture facing the monitor of a fixed ultrasonic device, which restricts the examination doctor’s posture and movement. However, with this technique, needle biopsy can be executed smoothly with no posture restrictions. A flip shade affixed to the OST-HMD has 2% transmittance, which enables clearer projection of the images.Conclusions: This article outlines the ultrasound-guided needle biopsy using OST-HMD. Here we established a safe and accurate biopsy technique with technological innovations using AR.