title: A prototype ultrasound-guided laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation system.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Advanced laparoscopic procedures, particularly laparoscopic liver resection and ablation, may benefit from image-guided surgery techniques that involve interactive three-dimensional imaging and instrument tracking.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prototype system for laparoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation was designed and implemented. This system uses an infrared camera to track instruments and runs on a personal computer. Features of the system include spatially registered ultrasound visualization, volume reconstruction, and interactive targeting. Targeting of accuracy studies was performed by directing a tracked needle to a phantom target.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ultrasound data collection and volume reconstruction can be achieved within minutes and interactively reviewed by the surgeon. Early results with phantom experiments demonstrate a targeting accuracy of 5 to 10 mm.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results support the further development of this and similar image-guided surgery systems for specific laparoscopic procedures. Eventually, rigorous clinical evaluation will be necessary to prove their value.
authors.affiliation: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, D-5220 Medical Center North, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bao
authors.forename: T K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Sinha
authors.forename: C-C R
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Warmath
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Galloway
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Herline
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000295:instrumentation; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008099:Liver / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation; D014463:Ultrasonography