Abstract
We have been developing a surgical navigation system that combines the 3-D image processing system called NewVES and an optical positional tracker. This system performs the following functions for enabling surgical navigation: (a) detailed 3D virtual laparoscopic image (3D-VLI) generation from pro-operative CT volumes, (b) continuous tracking of laparoscope position and posture by the optical tracker, and (c) real-time rendering of 3D-VLIs corresponding to the endoscope view. This system has been utilized for 50 cases of laparoscopic gastrectomy. Recently, stereo laparoscope system has become common in the clinical field. This can provide a surgeon depth cues during surgery. We have developed the stereo navigation system by extending the function of NewVES software. This system renders stereoscopic views in side-by-side format and transmits them to the stereo monitor of the stereo laparoscope system. Surgeons can watch stereo navigation images with the same 3D glasses of laparoscope system. In laparoscopic gastrectomy, we confirmed the system was very useful to understand anatomy of organs and blood vessels which were hard to perceive on 2D navigational display. We believe it will reduce the surgeons' stress during surgery.
