Computational methods for planning of image-guided surgery methods

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The proposed research aims to improve surgical interventions using innovative software methods for image-guided surgery. During image-guided interventions, medical images of the affected anatomy are obtained prior to surgery and a 3D virtual model of the anatomy is created by extracting relevant data from these images. This model is then used in specially designed software to support the surgeon in pre-planning the procedure. During this planning, the surgeon makes decisions such as the required size of the incision, which prosthesis components are optimal for the patient, and which instrument positions and trajectories are needed to ensure the best outcome. During surgery, tracking methods are provided in the operating theatre as a navigation aid for the surgeon in following the planned instrument trajectories. This research program will focus on novel and advanced methods to improve pre-surgery planning. One theme involves development and testing of computational methods to generate more accurate representations of the affected anatomy in the 3D computer generated model. A second theme of this research program will investigate computational methods to create more accurate and clinically relevant planning of prosthesis component size, position, and/or instrument trajectories. This will involve building a mathematical model for the process of surgical decision-making and using this model to design planning systems to support the surgeon more effectively. Artificial intelligence will be employed to identify patterns between planning parameters and clinical outcomes for surgeries for a large population of patients. These patterns can then predict clinical outcomes based on virtual planning of the surgery. By providing a safe and easy-to-use online system, experiences from a wide community of surgeons can be used in developing each new plan. The proposed program will train graduate and undergraduate students in a highly interdisciplinary environment in software development, medical image modalities, image analysis algorithms, statistical methods, artificial intelligence methods, and graphical user interface design. The proposed research has the potential to improve the outcome for surgical interventions, reduce the number of revision or repeat surgeries, make surgical systems more user-friendly, and improve the efficiency in the surgery room. At a time when health care costs are steadily rising and the number of orthopaedic procedures is expected to double in coming years, the proposed research can provide economic solutions for surgical interventions. Just as today we expect that every car be equipped with a navigation device, this research program will be part of a future in which every surgical intervention will be supported by an image-guided navigation device.