A virtual environment for surgical image guidance in intraoperative MRI.
Intraoperative MRI has recently entered the operating room as a new imaging modality. Customized visualization systems might further facilitate the use of this imaging technology. A visualization system for use in the interventional MRI has been developed, providing a virtual environment for surgical navigation using real-time images and for controlling the scanner. The visualization system has customized features for certain clinical applications. A training and testing facility has also been established. The introduction of the visualization system in the interventional MRI overcame several ambiguities and inconsistencies that were previously present, and resulted in a more transparent man-machine interface approach. A pilot study using the software to place cryoprobes in an animal liver showed promising results. Augmentation of real-time MR images with 3D rendering and customized navigation features opens new possibilities in intraoperative MRI. The described system can also be extended to other intraoperative imaging modalities.
Samset
Eigil
E
The Interventional Centre, The National Hospital of Norway, University of Oslo, Norway. eigil.samset@klinmed.uio.no
Talsma
Anne
A
Kintel
Marius
M
Elle
Ole Jakob
OJ
Aurdal
Lars
L
Hirschberg
Henry
H
Fosse
Erik
E
D006801:Humans; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008328:Man-Machine Systems; D038361:Neuronavigation / Q000379:methods*; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000193:education / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D014584:User-Computer Interface