Optical Breath-hold Control System for Image-guided Procedures

The OBC system was designed to replace the IBC rubber bellows respiration sensor system that we are currently using for CT-guided lung biopsies. Unlike the IBC, the OBC is 1) unaffected by temperature changes, 2) has a linear sensitivity (for easier use and better accuracy), 3) has no pneumatic purge time when setting reference breath-hold level (reducing the chance of an inappropriate reference), 4) has no pneumatic cable that can occasionally interfere and get pinched during procedures, 5) is ambulatory (so patients can more easily familiarize themselves with the device before the procedure), 6) is capable of indicating proper fitting tension, 7) allows for easier binding (wireless pairing with other system components), and 8) is significantly less expensive (and possibly disposable).