title: Image-fusion, augmented reality, and predictive surgical navigation.
abstract: Computer-aided surgical navigation systems with fusion or overlaying capability, coupled with newer position tracking systems, can provide new opportunities to improve the precision of minimally invasive urology. Three-dimensional feedback of spatial position of surgical targets, and the predictive ability to guide laparoscopic dissection along the ideal surgical plane, with built-in safety checks and balances may help to lay the foundation for automated surgery in the future.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan. ukimura@koto.kpu-m.ac.jp
authors.forename: Osamu
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Ukimura
authors.forename: Inderbir S
authors.initials: IS
authors.lastname: Gill
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D010535:Laparoscopy; D012371:Robotics; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013520:Urologic Surgical Procedures; D014584:User-Computer Interface