title: Application of three dimensional reconstruction technique in selection of incision of thoracic surgical operation with robot.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate a new method to plan the incisions of thoracic surgical operation with robot using three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction techniques.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three-dimensional reconstruction techniques were used to reconstruct the chest CT of patients with the software OSIRIX (APPLE®). Tumor location, size and relationship with the vein and artery were unambiguously obtained. The location of the incision was predetermined prior to the surgery. The operation time, set up time and work time were evaluated to assess the efficacy of this preplanning methodology.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 4 cases are reported here. Tumors of different homogeneities were assessed, located in a 3D mode, and preplanned incisions successfully made to perform the procedure. This resulted in overall reduction of operation time and also provided effective visualization of the tumor during surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results suggest that this method can show the location of tumor, help in planning of appropriate incisions and define 3D anatomical relationships.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic Surgery, General Hospital of PLA Beijing 100853, China.
authors.forename: Jiaxin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wen
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic Surgery, General Hospital of PLA Beijing 100853, China.
authors.forename: Xiaobin
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Hou
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic Surgery, General Hospital of PLA Beijing 100853, China.
authors.forename: Xiangyang
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Chu
authors.affiliation: Department of Special Medical Treatment-Respiratory Disease, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University Beijing 100038, China.
authors.forename: Xinying
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Xue
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic Surgery, General Hospital of PLA Beijing 100853, China.
authors.forename: Zhiqiang
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Xue
keywords: Da Vinci; Three dimensional reconstruction; minimal invasive surgery; surgical operation with robot; thoracic surgery