Easy-to-use augmented reality neuronavigation using a wireless tablet PC.
OBJECTIVE
Augmented reality (AR) technology solves the problem of view switching in traditional image-guided neurosurgery systems by integrating computer-generated objects into the actual scene. However, the state-of-the-art AR solution using head-mounted displays has not been widely accepted in clinical applications because it causes some inconvenience for the surgeon during surgery.


METHODS
In this paper, we present a Tablet-AR system that transmits navigation information to a movable tablet PC via a wireless local area network and overlays this information on the tablet screen, which simultaneously displays the actual scene captured by its back-facing camera. With this system, the surgeon can directly observe the intracranial anatomical structure of the patient with the overlaid virtual projection images to guide the surgery.


RESULTS
The alignment errors in the skull specimen study and clinical experiment were 4.6 pixels (approx. 1.6 mm) and 6 pixels (approx. 2.1 mm), respectively. The system was also used for navigation in 2 actual clinical cases of neurosurgery, which demonstrated its feasibility in a clinical application.


CONCLUSIONS
The easy-to-use Tablet-AR system presented in this study is accurate and feasible in clinical applications and has the potential to become a routine device in AR neuronavigation.
Digital Medical Research Center, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China.
Weiwei
W
Deng
Fang
F
Li
Manning
M
Wang
Zhijian
Z
Song
D004867:Equipment Design; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D008838:Microcomputers; D038361:Neuronavigation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D009493:Neurosurgery / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012886:Skull; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D059015:Wireless Technology / Q000295:instrumentation*