Summary: UCLA researcher Sara Babapour has developed a biopsy guidance platform featuring a flexible, artifact-generating sheath that enables safe, multi-directional navigation and improved trajectory visualization during image-guided tissue sampling. The technology is designed to reduce multiple needle insertions and improve accuracy in CT- and ultrasound-guided biopsies. Background: Image-guided biopsies, including CT- and ultrasound-guided procedures, often require multiple needle insertions to achieve proper alignment with the target tissue. Even in targeted biopsy approaches, clinicians frequently adjust needle trajectory through repeated attempts, increasing the risk of complications such as vascular perforation, tissue damage, and patient discomfort. Additionally, multiple imaging cycles are often required to confirm positioning, which increases procedure time, radiation exposure (in CT-guided cases), and operational costs. These challenges are particularly pronounced when targeting small or difficult-to-access lesions and in settings with less experienced operators, such as teaching hospitals. Current coaxial guide systems provide limited support for safe in-body repositioning or trajectory correction once inserted, highlighting the need for a solution that enables accurate, single-entry access while minimizing tissue disruption and procedural complexity. Innovation: To address these unmet needs, Sara Babapour has developed a flexible, cylindrical silicon-based sheath that covers the distal portion of a biopsy needle and enables controlled navigation within tissue. The sheath is designed to allow safe rotational and directional adjustments after initial insertion by reducing friction and minimizing the risk of tissue perforation. A key feature of the system is the incorporation of radiopaque or echogenic materials (e.g., metals or calcium-based compounds) within or on the sheath, which generate a visible linear or dotted artifact under CT or ultrasound imaging. This creates a real-time “roadmap” that helps clinicians visualize and maintain a precise trajectory toward the target tissue. The sheath also provides a protected internal channel for forward and backward needle movement, supporting accurate sampling once the optimal path is established. The design is compatible with existing biopsy needles and coaxial systems and can be adapted across different needle sizes and procedures. Potential Applications: • CT- and ultrasound-guided core biopsies (e.g., abdominal, liver, kidney) • Fine needle aspiration (FNA) procedures • Interventional radiology and image-guided minimally invasive procedures • Biopsy procedures targeting small or difficult-to-access lesions • Training environments and teaching hospitals • Any application requiring precise needle navigation in soft tissue
Advantages: • Reduces need for multiple needle insertions • Enables safer in-body needle repositioning and multi-directional navigation • Provides real-time visual “roadmap” for trajectory guidance • Minimizes risk of vascular perforation and tissue damage • Decreases procedure time, imaging requirements, and associated costs • Compatible with existing biopsy systems and workflows • Scalable, low-cost, and adaptable across needle types and sizes • Improves usability for less experienced operators State of Development: Functional prototype in development. Reference: UCLA Case No. 2024-215 Lead Inventor: Sara Babapour