title: Positioning accuracy in a registration-free CT-based navigation system.
abstract: In order to maintain overall navigation accuracy established by a calibration procedure in our CT-based registration-free navigation system, the CT scanner has to repeatedly generate identical volume images of a target at the same coordinates. We tested the positioning accuracy of the prototype of an advanced workplace for image-guided surgery (AWIGS) which features an operating table capable of direct patient transfer into a CT scanner. Volume images (N = 154) of a specialized phantom were analysed for translational shifting after various table translations. Variables included added weight and phantom position on the table. The navigation system's calibration accuracy was determined (bias 2.1 mm, precision +/- 0.7 mm, N = 12). In repeated use, a bias of 3.0 mm and a precision of +/- 0.9 mm (N = 10) were maintainable. Instances of translational image shifting were related to the table-to-CT scanner docking mechanism. A distance scaling error when altering the table's height was detected. Initial prototype problems visible in our study causing systematic errors were resolved by repeated system calibrations between interventions. We conclude that the accuracy achieved is sufficient for a wide range of clinical applications in surgery and interventional radiology.
authors.affiliation: CARCAS-Group at the University Hospital Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland. daniel.brandenberger@unibas.ch
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Brandenberger
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Birkfellner
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Baumann
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Messmer
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Huegli
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Regazzoni
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Jacob
mesh_terms: D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D008954:Models, Biological; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013382:Subtraction Technique / Q000295:instrumentation; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods