title: Computing support for information-rich laparoscopy.
abstract: Developments in the architecture and organization of high-performance general-purpose computer systems are largely ignored by the technology infrastructure of the modern laparoscopic surgical suite. The current state of technology for laparoscopy is a camera and monitor linked via a controller that distributes analog or digital video signals without regard to their content. This article discusses the opportunities that will be created by inserting general-purpose high-performance computing into the information stream between camera and display. We envision that the use of this technology will radically transform laparoscopy from its current state as ;;surgery by pictures'' into an entirely new, information-rich surgical environment.
authors.affiliation: Center for Visualization and Virtual Environments, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
authors.forename: W Brent
authors.initials: WB
authors.lastname: Seales
authors.forename: Duncan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Clarke
mesh_terms: D016287:Computer Peripherals; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D010535:Laparoscopy; D012984:Software; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D049269:Videoconferencing