3D Needle-Tip Tracking
for Ultrasound-Guided
Procedures
Make complex needle interventions safer, faster, and easier to perform.
The Clinical Problem
Ultrasound-guided needle procedures rely on 2D imaging to navigate 3D anatomy. Clinicians lose sight of the needle tip once it leaves the imaging plane — leading to repeat attempts, misdiagnoses, and complications.
45.3%
Global liver cancer in China
China accounts for 45.3% of global liver cancer cases
5M
Procedures/year in China
Ultrasound-guided needle procedures performed annually in China
30%
Repeat biopsy rate
Rate of biopsies that need to be repeated
Current 2D ultrasound guidance fails when the needle moves out of the imaging plane. This "blind zone" problem leads to a 30% repeat biopsy rate, increased patient trauma, and longer procedure times — particularly for deep or poorly visualized lesions.
Real-Time 3D Needle-Tip Tracking
Integrated with existing ultrasound systems, our technology provides continuous 3D needle-tip localization throughout the procedure.
Fibre-Optic Needle Transmitter
A low-cost optical fibre is embedded in standard biopsy needles, transmitting ultrasonic signals from the needle tip for precise localization.
Novel Tracking-Imaging Probe
A custom ultrasound probe simultaneously performs conventional imaging and 3D needle-tip tracking — no extra hardware needed.
Real-Time Tracking UI
Clinicians see the needle tip in 3D overlaid on the ultrasound image, enabling off-plane insertions and challenging approaches with confidence.
Why Beacon?
Purpose-built for real clinical workflow — not a research prototype.
3D Tracking
Full off-plane insertion capability. Track the needle tip in three dimensions, even when it leaves the ultrasound imaging plane.
High Accuracy
Sub-millimetre needle-tip localization enables confident targeting of small, deep, or challenging lesions.
Faster Procedures
Reduced procedure time through real-time guidance — fewer needle passes and fewer repeat attempts.
Radiation-Free
No CT or X-ray exposure required. Pure ultrasound-based tracking keeps patients and staff safe.
Cost-Effective
Low-cost fibre-optic needle hardware integrates with existing ultrasound systems — minimal capital expenditure.
What Doctors Say
Direct feedback from clinicians who have evaluated our tracking system.
“This device is extremely useful for less experienced clinicians, helping them gain confidence and improve their performance during ultrasound-guided puncture procedures.”
“The system would be highly beneficial for sampling lesions where needle-tip visualization is difficult.”
“A very useful device and concept, particularly valuable for challenging cases involving deep or poorly visualized lesions.”
“With the tracking system, the entire procedure becomes noticeably easier and faster.”
How We Compare
Beacon Surgical combines the best of existing tracking approaches while eliminating their key limitations.
| Feature | EM Tracking | Existing Ultrasonic | Beacon Surgical |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3D Capability | Full 3D tracking | 2D only (in-plane) | Full 3D needle-tip tracking |
| Hardware Bulk | Bulky field generator required | Minimal additional hardware | Compact, integrates with existing ultrasound |
| Needle Cost | Expensive proprietary needles | Standard or modified needles | Low-cost compatible needles |
| Resolution | Millimetre-level | Limited by 2D imaging plane | Sub-millimetre precision |
| Interference | Susceptible to electromagnetic interference | Minimal interference issues | No electromagnetic interference |
| Directionality | Omnidirectional tracking | Limited to ultrasound plane | Omnidirectional 3D tracking |
Meet Our Team
World-class expertise in biomedical imaging, interventional radiology, and MedTech commercialization.
James Weidong Liang
CEO/Co-founder
PhD candidate
King's College London
Dr Christian Baker
CTO/Co-founder
Research Fellow
King's College London
Dr Wenfeng Xia
Scientific Advisor/Co-founder
Reader in Biomedical Imaging
King's College London
Prof. Sebastien Ourselin
Non-Executive Director
Head of BMEIS, Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering
King's College London
Dr Xinjian Zhou
Non-Executive Director
Vice President of BICI, Head of BICI USA, Head of BICI London
BICI
Prof. Ligang Cui
Medical Advisor
Director of Ultrasound Imaging
Peking University Third Hospital
Dr Athanasios Diamantopoulos
Medical Director
Consultant Interventional Radiologist
St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Partners & Collaborators
Backed by leading hospitals, research institutions, and industry partners.
Hospitals & Research
Industry
Other
Product Roadmap
From lab validation to market launch — a clear path to clinical impact.
Preclinical Prototype
- £1.5M pre-seed funding secured
- Lab-validated device
- King's Quality Management System
- 10+ clinician testing
Cadaveric Study + Seed Round
- £2-4M seed round
Clinical Prototype R&D + UK-China Division
- Clinical prototype development
- Establish UK-China division
Regulation Submission + Clinical Trial
- Regulatory submission
- Clinical trial initiation
Pre-A Round
- Clinical trial completion
- Regulation affairs
Go-to-Market
- Market launch
- Potential OEM collaborators
Ready to Get Involved?
Whether you're a clinician, industry partner, or investor — we'd love to hear from you.
Clinicians / KOLs
Pilot & Evaluate
Be among the first to trial our 3D needle-tracking technology in your clinical workflow.
Join the PilotOEM / Partners
Integrate Tracking
Embed Beacon tracking into your ultrasound platform or needle products.
Partner With UsInvestors
See the Round + Roadmap
We're raising a £2–4M seed round to advance clinical prototypes and expand our global network.
Request DeckOr reach us directly at hello@beaconsurgical.com