A full 3D-navigation system in a suitcase.
OBJECTIVE
To reduce the impact of contemporary 3D-navigation systems on the environment of typical otorhinolaryngologic operating rooms, we demonstrate that a transfer of navigation software to modern high-power notebook computers is feasible and results in a practicable way to provide positional information to a surgeon intraoperatively.


METHODS
The ARTMA Virtual Patient System has been implemented on a Macintosh PowerBook G3 and, in connection with the Polhemus FASTRAK digitizer, provides intraoperative positional information during endoscopic endonasal surgery.


RESULTS
Satisfactory intraoperative navigation has been realized in two- and three-dimensional medical image data sets (i.e., X-ray, ultrasound images, CT, and MR) and live video.


CONCLUSIONS
This proof-of-concept study demonstrates that acceptable ergonomics and excellent performance of the system can be achieved with contemporary high-end notebook computers.
Freysinger
W
W
4D Visualization Laboratory, ENT Clinic, University of Innsbruck, Austria. wolfgang.freysinger@uibk.ac.at
Truppe
M J
MJ
Gunkel
A R
AR
Thumfart
W F
WF
D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures; D012984:Software; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted; D014584:User-Computer Interface