Needle identification in high-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy using ultrasound imaging modality

It was observed that the needle tip identification in high-dose-rate (HDR) prostate brachytherapy is challenging due to various uncertainties. The errors in identifying the correct needle position and angulations could compromise patient treatment outcomes. In this article, we propose a method for the needle identification using real-time ultrasound images obtained during the treatment procedure. The developed algorithm is capable to detect both the needle tip in a predefined coordinate system and the needle deflection angle for each frame of the incoming real-time ultrasound video streams.