Allowing free exploration of radiology images with tangible interaction devices to improve patient safety

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) techniques influence the way Interventional Radiologists (IR) work with radiology images. Interventional radiology is a minimally invasive technique, in which the human body is entered through a small incision. Procedures are always planned, performed and evaluated using artificial views provided by imaging techniques, such as Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), or ultrasound (US). One type of procedure is the direct percutaneous approach, in which the IR inserts a needle into the body by puncturing the skin and navigating the needle to the target tissue in an approximately straight line under image guidance. The navigational goal of the IR is to guide the needle through a trajectory that is safe for the patient by avoiding vital structures, and to end in the target position, e.g. in the middle of a tumor.