Advanced Tools and Devices: Navigation Technologies, Automation, and Robotics in Percutaneous Interventions

Interventional radiologists often employ knowledge of complex spatial anatomy and anatomic landmarks to facilitate percutaneous biopsies. Novel navigation and tracking technologies, multimodality image fusion capabilities, and semiautomated robotic needle guidance provide IR physicians with advanced tools and devices that have the potential to improve lesion targeting and accuracy and, potentially, patient outcomes. This chapter provides an overview of navigation and tracking technologies and robotic capabilities that can facilitate percutaneous needle biopsy.