Surgical navigation using three-dimensional computed tomography images fused intraoperatively with live video.
OBJECTIVE
For novice surgeons, successful laparoscopic radical nephrectomy depends on the treatment of the renal vessels, and the use of computed tomography assists in navigation during the surgery.


METHODS
To navigate during surgery, three-dimensional volume-rendered images of the renal vessels, kidneys, and surrounding organs were created intraoperatively by the surgeon using an image-processing application. A surgeon adjusted the angle of view and the size of the images according to surgical views during the operation, using a wireless mouse enclosed in a sterilized bag. These images were simultaneously fused onto live video using image-capture software.


RESULTS
Novice surgeons easily constructed the augmented reality images intraoperatively and were able to successfully treat the renal vessels.


CONCLUSIONS
The combination of three-dimensional computed tomography volume-rendered images with live video is a valuable navigation system for use intraoperatively.
Nakamura
Kazuhiro
K
Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Inage-ward, Chiba, Japan.
Naya
Yukio
Y
Zenbutsu
Satoki
S
Araki
Kazuhiro
K
Cho
Shuko
S
Ohta
Sho
S
Nihei
Naoki
N
Suzuki
Hiroyoshi
H
Ichikawa
Tomohiko
T
Igarashi
Tatsuo
T
D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D007430:Intraoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014743:Videotape Recording / Q000379:methods*