Surgical Navigation Using Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Images Fused Intraoperatively with Live Video
Kazuhiro Nakamura, Yukio Naya, Satoki Zenbutsu, Kazuhiro Araki, Shuko Cho, Sho Ohta, Naoki Nihei, Hiroyoshi Suzuki, Tomohiko Ichikawa, Tatsuo Igarashi · Journal of Endourology · 2010
OBJECTIVE: For novice surgeons, successful laparoscopic radical nephrectomy depends on the treatment of the renal vessels, and the use of computed tomography assists in navigation during the surgery. METHODS: To navigate during surgery, three-dimensional volume-rendered images of the renal vessels, kidneys, and surrounding organs were created intraoperatively by the surgeon using an image-processing application. A surgeon adjusted the angle of view and the size of the images according to surgical views during the operation, using a wireless mouse enclosed in a sterilized bag. These images were simultaneously fused onto live video using image-capture software. RESULTS: Novice surgeons easily constructed the augmented reality images intraoperatively and were able to successfully treat the renal vessels. CONCLUSION: The combination of three-dimensional computed tomography volume-rendered images with live video is a valuable navigation system for use intraoperatively.