Accuracy Evaluation of Phase-Only Cross Correlation (POCC) Guidance Sequence for Real-Time 3T MR-Interventions

Patrik Zamecnik¹, Axel Joachim Krafft², Florian Maier², Jens Groebner², Heinz-Peter Schlemmer¹, Michael Bock²

Recently, an automatic tracking technique using a phase-only cross correlation algorithm (POCC) has been presented, which uses a passive MR marker for real time needle guidance during prostate biopsies or to guide a laser fiber in an experimental thermoablation (LITT) of the liver. In this study the geometric accuracy of the needle guidance using POCC sequence at 3T was tested in a phantom experiment. The accuracy of the procedure proved to be very high. Safe and precise instrument guidance was demonstrated with the automatic tracking sequence during insertion of puncture needle into the target at 3 Tesla conditions.