title: Endoscope-based hybrid navigation system for minimally invasive ventral spine surgeries.
abstract: The availability of high-resolution, magnified, and relatively noise-free endoscopic images in a small workspace, 4-10 cm from the endoscope tip, opens up the possibility of using the endoscope as a tracking tool. We are developing a hybrid navigation system in which image-analysis-based 2D-3D tracking is combined with optoelectronic tracking (Optotrak) for computer-assisted navigation in laparoscopic ventral spine surgeries. Initial results are encouraging and confirm the ability of the endoscope to serve as a tracking tool in surgical navigation where sub-millimetric accuracy is mandatory.
authors.affiliation: MEM Research Center - Institute for Surgical Technology and Biomechanics, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland. ramesh@memcenter.unibe.ch
authors.forename: Ramesh U
authors.initials: RU
authors.lastname: Thoranaghatte
authors.forename: Guoyan
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zheng
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Langlotz
authors.forename: Lutz-Peter
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Nolte
mesh_terms: D019723:Endoscopes; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D013131:Spine / Q000601:surgery*; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted