抄録
This paper shows several methods for generating images that assist surgical operations. Especially, we show surgical applications of virtual endoscopy system that authors' group have developed. First, the basic concepts and technologies of virtual endoscopy system are explained. Second, the flexible endoscope navigation system, which navigates endoscopic examination or surgery using a flexible endoscope, is introduced. The system is implemented as fuse of real and virtual endoscopy. Third, virtual laparoscopic system is briefly explained. In the system, virtual lifting of abdominal wall is performed for simulating pneumoperitoneum based on elastic deformation of 3-D CT images. Virtual laparoscopic images for surgical assistance are generated from the deformed images. We also show a method for generating virtually stretched views of an organ based on image deformation. This method can generate the stretched views that are useful for understanding the status or location of lesion.
