CIVCO, Ascension to offer 3D biopsy guidance

Ascension Technology and CIVCO Medical Solutions have jointly developed a new biopsy needle localization and guidance system for minimally invasive medical procedures.

When integrated with 3D ultrasound visualization tools it allows percutaneous targeting to lesions without radiation or open surgery, the Burlington, Vt.-based Ascension said.

Ascension developed the six degrees-of-freedom (6DOF) sensor, 0.9mm in diameter, for the application. CIVCO has designed a proprietary tracking needle with a reusable housing for the 6DOF sensor.

Combined with the Ascension sensor technology, the new approach to ultrasound-assisted biopsy and RF ablation allows for tracking both the 3D location of the ultrasound transducer and the tip of the needle, according to Kalona, Iowa-based CIVCO.

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