RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The current study proposes simple methods for assessing the performance of robotic devices intended for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-guided needle biopsy. METHODS: In-house made agar-based breast phantoms containing biopsy targets served as the main tool in the evaluation process of an MRI compatible positioning device comprising a needle navigator. The motion accuracy of mechanical stages was assessed by calliper measurements. Laboratory evaluation of needle targeting included a repeatability phantom test and a laser-based method. The accuracy and repeatability of needle targeting was also assessed by MRI. RESULTS: The maximum error of linear motion for steps up to 10 mm was 0.1 mm. Needle navigation relative to the phantom and alignment with the various biopsy targets were performed successfully in both the laboratory and MRI settings. The proposed biopsy phantoms offered tissue-like signal in MRI and good haptic feedback during needle insertion. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed methods could be valuable in the process of validating the accuracy of MRI-guided biopsy robotic devices in both laboratory and real environments.