Ultrasound-guided navigated interventions

Tracking of ultrasound and interventional tools (e.g. needles) enables new minially invasive medical procedures, and makes existing ones safer. We use the PLUS toolkit and the SlicerIGT software to provide computerized navigation for different anatomical regions. Optionally, we fuse ultrasound images with other preoperative images, such as CT and MRI.

Project Participants

Kristóf Móga

Victoria Wu

Sydney Perrin

Sachin Pasricha

Sean Xia

Regina Leung

Justine Ring

Paola Nasute

Rebecca Hisey

Eden Bibic

Aidan Baksh

Reza Tabanfar

Christina Yan

Zachary Baum

Padina Pezeshki

Karilee Whiteway

Andrew MacDonald

Vinyas Harish

Ryan Anderson

Simon Kotwicz Herniczek

Caitlin T. Yeo

Tamas Ungi

Gabor Fichtinger

Andras Lasso

Related Publications

In Press
Hu, Z., Fauerbach P. V. Nasute, Yeung C., Ungi T., Rudan J., C. Engel J., et al. (In Press). Real-time automatic tumor segmentation for ultrasound-guided breast-conserving surgery navigation. International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery. DOI Google Scholar BibTeX

2022
O'Driscoll, O., Hisey R., Holden M., Camire D., Erb J., Howes D., et al. (2022). Feasibility of object detection for skill assessment in central venous catheterization. SPIE Medical Imaging. Google Scholar BibTeX ODriscoll2022a.pdf (629.59 KB)
O'Driscoll, O., Hisey R., Holden M., Camire D., Erb J., Howes D., et al. (2022). Feasibility of using object detection for performance assessment in central venous catherization. Imaging Network of Ontario Symposium. Google Scholar BibTeX ODriscoll2022b.pdf (183 KB)

2021
Wu, C. O., Diao B., Ungi T., Sedghi A., Kikinis R., Mousavi P., et al. (2021). Development of an open-source system for prostate biopsy training in Senegal. SPIE Medical Imaging 2021: Image-Guided Procedures, Robotic Interventions, and Modeling. 11598, Google Scholar BibTeX CWu2021a.pdf (455.85 KB) CWu2021a-poster.pdf (708.05 KB)
Hisey, R., Camire D., Erb J., Howes D., Fichtinger G., & Ungi T. (2021). Central Line Tutor: using computer vision workflow recognition in a central venous catheterization training system. Imaging Network of Ontario Symposium. Google Scholar BibTeX RHisey_ImNO2021.pdf (190.87 KB)
Barr, C., Hisey R., Ungi T., & Fichtinger G. (2021). Ultrasound Probe Pose Classification for Task Recognition in Central Venous Catheterization. Imaging Network of Ontario Symposium. Google Scholar BibTeX CBarr2021a.pdf (391.8 KB)
Fichtinger, G., Mousavi P., Ungi T., Fenster A., Abolmaesumi P., Kronreif G., et al. (2021). Design of an Ultrasound-Navigated Prostate Cancer Biopsy System for Nationwide Implementation in Senegal. Journal of Imaging. 7, 154. DOI Google Scholar BibTeX
Poole, M., Ungi T., Fichtinger G., & Zevin B. (2021). Training in soft tissue resection using real-time visual computer navigation feedback from the Surgery Tutor: A randomized controlled trial. Surgery. DOI Google Scholar BibTeX

2020
Gauvin, G., Yeo C. T., Ungi T., Merchant S., Lasso A., Jabs D., et al. (2020). Real‐time electromagnetic navigation for breast‐conserving surgery using NaviKnife technology: A matched case‐control study. The Breast Journal. 26, 399-405. DOI Google Scholar BibTeX
Ungi, T., Greer H., Sunderland K. R., Wu V., Baum Z. M. C., Schlenger C., et al. (2020). Automatic spine ultrasound segmentation for scoliosis visualization and measurement. IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering. 67, 3234 - 3241. DOI Google Scholar BibTeX Ungi2020.pdf (676.48 KB)
Wu, V., Ungi T., Sunderland K. R., Pigeau G., Schonewille A., & Fichtinger G. (2020). Automatic segmentation of spinal ultrasound landmarks with U-net using multiple consecutive images for input. SPIE Medical Imaging. DOI Google Scholar BibTeX Wu2020a.pdf (292.4 KB)
Wu, V., Ungi T., Sunderland K. R., Pigeau G., Schonewille A., & Fichtinger G. (2020). Using multiple frame U-net for automated segmentation of spinal ultrasound images. 18th Annual Imaging Network Ontario (ImNO) Symposium. Google Scholar BibTeX Wu2020b.pdf (133.02 KB)
Hisey, R., Chen B., Ungi T., Camire D., Erb J., Howes D., et al. (2020). Reinforcement learning approach for video-based task recognition in central venous catheterization. Imaging Network of Ontario Symposium. Google Scholar BibTeX RHisey_ImNO2020.pdf (399.33 KB)
Hisey, R., Chen B., Camire D., Erb J., Howes D., Fichtinger G., et al. (2020). Recognizing workflow tasks in central venous catheterization using convolutional neural networks and reinforcement learning. International Conference on Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery. 94-95. Google Scholar BibTeX RHisey_CARS_2020.pdf (152.24 KB)

2019
Lia, H., Baum Z. M. C., Vaughan T., Ungi T., McGregor T., & Fichtinger G. (2019). Usability and accuracy of an electromagnetically tracked partial nephrectomy navigation system. 17th Annual Imaging Network of Ontario Symposium (ImNO). Google Scholar BibTeX Lia2019a.pdf (164.12 KB)
Wu, V., Ungi T., & Fichtinger G. (2019). Using Deep Learning for Transverse Process Detection in Spinal Ultrasounds. 17th Annual Imaging Network Ontario Symposium (ImNO). Google Scholar BibTeX Wu2019a.pdf (158.09 KB)
Wu, V., Asselin M., Ungi T., & Fichtinger G. (2019). Detection of Spinal Ultrasound Landmarks Using Convolutional Neural Networks. 33rd International Congress & Exhibition on Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery (CARS). 14, DOI Google Scholar BibTeX Wu2019b.pdf (213.21 KB)
Hisey, R., Ungi T., Camire D., Erb J., Howes D., & Fichtinger G. (2019). Comparison of convolutional neural networks for central venous catheterization tool detection. Imaging Network of Ontario Symposium. Google Scholar BibTeX RHisey_ImNO2019.pdf (464.16 KB)
Baum, Z. M. C., Church B., Lasso A., Ungi T., Schlenger C., Borschneck D. P., et al. (2019). Step-wise identification of ultrasound-visible anatomical landmarks for 3D visualization of scoliotic spine. SPIE Medical Imaging 2019: Image-Guided Procedures, Robotic Interventions, and Modeling. 10951, Google Scholar BibTeX Baum2019a.pdf (496 KB)
Perrin, S., Baum Z. M. C., Asselin M., Underwood G., Choueib S., Lia H., et al. (2019). Reproducibility of freehand calibrations for ultrasound-guided needle navigation. SPIE Medical Imaging 2019: Image-Guided Procedures, Robotic Interventions, and Modeling. 10951, Google Scholar BibTeX Perrin2019a.pdf (686.56 KB)

2018
Baum, Z. M. C., Ungi T., Lasso A., Church B., Schlenger C., & Fichtinger G. (2018). Visual aid for identifying vertebral landmarks in ultrasound. SPIE Medical Imaging 2018: Image-Guided Procedures, Robotic Interventions, and Modeling. 10576, 105760Z. DOI Google Scholar BibTeX Baum2018a.pdf (1.46 MB)
Baum, Z. M. C., Ungi T., Lasso A., Church B., Schlenger C., & Fichtinger G. (2018). Ultrasound-based vertebral landmark localization using deformable spine models. 16th Annual Imaging Network Ontario Symposiuim. Google Scholar BibTeX Baum2018b.pdf (1.03 MB) Baum2018b-Poster.pdf (961.09 KB)
Pinter, C., Travers B., Baum Z. M. C., Ungi T., Lasso A., Church B., et al. (2018). Real-time transverse process delineation in tracked ultrasound for scoliosis measurement. Imaging Network Ontario Symposium (ImNO 2018). Google Scholar BibTeX Pinter2018a.pdf (125.23 KB)
Pinter, C., Travers B., Baum Z. M. C., Kamali S., Ungi T., Lasso A., et al. (2018). Real-time transverse process detection in ultrasound. SPIE Medical Imaging 2018: Image-Guided Procedures, Robotic Interventions, and Modeling. Google Scholar BibTeX Pinter2018.pdf (297.47 KB)

2017
Lia, H., Keri Z., Holden M., Harish V., Mitchell C. H., Ungi T., et al. (2017). Training with Perk Tutor improves ultrasound-guided in-plane needle insertion skill. SPIE Medical Imaging. 10135, Google Scholar BibTeX Lia-SPIE2017.pdf (373.32 KB)
Harish, V., Bibic E., Lasso A., Holden M., Vaughan T., Baum Z. M. C., et al. (2017). An application of redundant sensors for intraoperative electromagnetic tracking error monitoring. 15th Annual Imaging Network Ontario Symposium. Google Scholar BibTeX Harish2017b.pdf (504.36 KB)
Kamali, S., Ungi T., Lasso A., Yan C., Lougheed M., & Fichtinger G. (2017). Localization of the transverse processes in ultrasound for spinal curvature measurement. SPIE Medical Imaging. 10135, 101350I-101350I-7. DOI Google Scholar BibTeX Kamali2017a.pdf (1.1 MB)

2016
Tabanfar, R., Yan C., Kempston M., Borschneck D. P., Ungi T., & Fichtinger G. (2016). Clinical feasibility of pediatric scoliosis monitoring using portable ultrasound. Imaging Network Ontario (IMNO). Google Scholar BibTeX Tabanfar2016b.pdf (82.18 KB)
Yan, C., Tabanfar R., Kempston M., Borschneck D. P., Ungi T., & Fichtinger G. (2016). Vertebral landmark visualization with portable ultrasound imaging in scoliosis monitoring. 14th Annual Imaging Network Ontario Symposium (ImNO). Google Scholar BibTeX Yan2016b.pdf (388.09 KB)
Harish, V., Baksh A., Ungi T., Lasso A., Baum Z. M. C., Gauvin G., et al. (2016). Measurement of electromagnetic tracking error in a navigated breast surgery setup. SPIE Medical Imaging 2016. 9786, Google Scholar BibTeX Harish2016a.pdf (4.07 MB)
Harish, V., Baksh A., Ungi T., Pal R., & Fichtinger G. (2016). A low-cost system for image-guided computer-navigated pericardiocentesis training. 30th International Congress & Exhibition on Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery (CARS). Int J CARS (2016) 11 (Suppl 1), S112. Google Scholar BibTeX Harish2016b.pdf (959.69 KB)
Baksh, A., Harish V., Ungi T., Pal R., & Fichtinger G. (2016). An inexpensive system for competency-based pericardiocentesis training. 14th Annual Imaging Network Ontario Symposium (ImNO). Google Scholar BibTeX Baksh2016a.pdf (919.93 KB)
Harish, V., Baksh A., Ungi T., Lasso A., Baum Z. M. C., Gauvin G., et al. (2016). Monitoring electromagnetic tracking error in computer-navigated breast cancer surgery. 14th Annual Imaging Network Ontario Symposium (ImNO). Google Scholar BibTeX Harish2016c.pdf (1.25 MB)
Heffernan, E., Ungi T., Vaughan T., Pezeshki P., Lasso A., Gauvin G., et al. (2016). Accuracy of lesion boundary tracking in navigated breast tumor excision. SPIE Medical Imaging 2016. 9786, 97860Y-1-6. DOI Google Scholar BibTeX Heffernan2016-manuscript.pdf (303.45 KB)
Ungi, T., Lasso A., & Fichtinger G. (2016). Open-source platforms for navigated image-guided interventions. Medical Image Analysis. 33, 181-6. DOI Google Scholar BibTeX Ungi2016a.pdf (868.77 KB)
Ungi, T., Vaughan T., Gauvin G., Pezeshki P., Lasso A., C. Engel J., et al. (2016). Intraoperative user interface for navigated breast tumor surgery. Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery, 30th International Congress. 11(Suppl. 1), S108-9. DOI Google Scholar BibTeX Ungi2016c.pdf (137.38 KB)
Gauvin, G., Ungi T., Lasso A., Walker R., Rudan J., Fichtinger G., et al. (2016). Safety and Feasibility Study for Real-Time Electromagnetic Navigation in Breast-Conserving Surgery. Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery, 30th International Congress. 11(Suppl. 1), S106-7. DOI Google Scholar BibTeX Gauvin2016a.pdf (492.77 KB)
Anderson, R., Lasso A., Hashtrudi-Zaad K., & Fichtinger G. (2016). Investigation of permanent magnets in low-cost position tracking. Proc. SPIE. 97862F-97862F-9. DOI Google Scholar BibTeX

2015
Lougheed, M., Fichtinger G., & Ungi T. (2015). Evaluation metrics for bone segmentation in ultrasound. SPIE Medical Imaging 2015. 9415, Google Scholar BibTeX
Harish, V., Ungi T., Lasso A., MacDonald A., Nanji S., & Fichtinger G. (2015). Intraoperative visualization and assessment of electromagnetic tracking error. SPIE Medical Imaging 2015. 9415, 94152H-94152H-6. DOI Google Scholar BibTeX Harish2015-manuscript.pdf (5.7 MB) Harish2015-poster.pdf (897.74 KB)
Ungi, T., Gauvin G., Yeo C. T., C. Engel J., Rudan J., & Fichtinger G. (2015). Real Time Navigation In Breast Tumor Surgery. Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery, 29th International Congress. 10(Suppl 1), S59-60. DOI Google Scholar BibTeX Ungi2015a.pdf (123.39 KB)
Vaughan, T., Lasso A., Ungi T., & Fichtinger G. (2015). Hole filling with oriented sticks in ultrasound volume reconstruction. J. Med. Imag.. 2, Google Scholar BibTeX Vaughan2015_Manuscript.pdf (3.91 MB)
Ungi, T., Gauvin G., Lasso A., Yeo C. T., Pezeshki P., Vaughan T., et al. (2015). Navigated breast tumor excision using electromagnetically tracked ultrasound and surgical instruments. IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering. DOI Google Scholar BibTeX Ungi2015b.pdf (567.29 KB)

2014
Ungi, T., Beiko D., Fuoco M., King F., Holden M., Fichtinger G., et al. (2014). Tracked ultrasonography snapshots enhance needle guidance for percutaneous renal access: a pilot study. J Endourol. 28, 1040-5. Google Scholar BibTeX Ungi2014b.pdf (533.29 KB)
Fichtinger, G., Siemens R., Holden M., Ungi T., Beiko D., Fuoco M., et al. (2014). Tracked ultrasound snapshots improve the performance of novices in simulated percutaneous nephrostomy. Imaging Network Ontario Symposium. Google Scholar BibTeX
Anderson, R., Lasso A., Hashtrudi-Zaad K., & Fichtinger G. (2014). Proposed Feasibility Analysis of Low Cost Inertial Freehand Ultrasound Position Tracking. ImNO. Google Scholar BibTeX Anderson2014-poster.pptx (1.15 MB)
Ungi, T., Lasso A., & Fichtinger G. (2014). Tracked Ultrasound in Navigated Spine Interventions. Spinal Imaging and Image Analysis. 469-94. DOI Google Scholar BibTeX Ungi2014c.pdf (870.53 KB)
Gauvin, G., Yeo C. T., Ungi T., Fichtinger G., Nanji S., Rudan J., et al. (2014). Real-time EM navigated breast conserving surgery: phantom and cadaver experiments. Seventh Image Guided Therapy Workshop (MICCAI). Google Scholar BibTeX
Gauvin, G., Yeo C. T., Ungi T., Fichtinger G., Rudan J., & C. Engel J. (2014). Real-time electromagnetic navigation for breast tumor resection: proof of concept. The Hamlyn Symposium on Medical Robotics. 39-40. Google Scholar BibTeX

2013
Ungi, T., Moult E., Schwab J. H., & Fichtinger G. (2013). Ultrasound Snapshots in Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Placement Navigation: A Feasibility Study. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. Google Scholar BibTeX Ungi2013e_WebVersion.pdf (653.91 KB)
Fuoco, M., Ungi T., Siemens R., Fichtinger G., & Beiko D. (2013). Percutaneous nephrostomy made easy: electromagnetic needle guidance with tracked ultrasound snapshots in a simulation model. World Congress on Endourology. J Endourol 27(Suppl 1), A100. Google Scholar BibTeX Fuoco2013_JEndoSuppl.pdf (11.52 MB)
Welch, M., Moult E., Ungi T., McGraw R. C., & Fichtinger G. (2013). Perk Tutor Improves Ultrasound-Guided Facet Joint Injection Training. ImNO2013 - Imaging Network Ontario Symposium. Google Scholar BibTeX Welch_Perk Tutor Improves Ultrasound-Guided Facet Joint Injection Training_IMNO-2013_0.pdf (157.82 KB) IMNO-2013-Poster-Mattea-v08.pdf (525.59 KB)

2012
Ungi, T., Sargent D., Moult E., Lasso A., Pinter C., McGraw R. C., et al. (2012). Perk Tutor: An open-source training platform for ultrasound-guided needle insertions. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng. 59, 3475-3481. DOI Google Scholar BibTeX Ungi2012c.pdf (610.32 KB)