title: A full 3D-navigation system in a suitcase.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: 4D Visualization Laboratory, ENT Clinic, University of Innsbruck, Austria. wolfgang.freysinger@uibk.ac.at
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Freysinger
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Truppe
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Gunkel
authors.forename: W F
authors.initials: WF
authors.lastname: Thumfart
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures; D012984:Software; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted; D014584:User-Computer Interface