Algorithms and interfaces for improved image-guided surgery

这项研究计划旨在回答这样一个问题：我们如何才能改进图像引导手术(IGS)的规划和性能？IGS为外科医生提供手术计划的方法和术中干预的指导。一般来说，该过程是一个三个步骤的过程：i)医学图像采集，ii)规划和iii)导航。在图像采集期间，使用医学成像(例如CT、MRI)扫描解剖结构。在规划阶段，从图像数据集中提取相关数据(例如，骨、软骨)，构建解剖的三维(3D)模型，并计划手术干预。在手术过程中，一个跟踪系统，如光电摄像机，被安装在手术室，传感器被坚固地连接到解剖和手术器械上。摄像机从这些传感器读取信息，然后使用计算机图形学和配准算法在解剖和/或计划的器械轨迹的虚拟表示上呈现器械的跟踪位置。IGS系统可以帮助外科医生达到最佳的术后效果。然而，现有的IGS系统需要昂贵的技术设备，并且给手术剧场带来了极大的复杂性。由于这些原因，这些技术仍然不能广泛应用于临床。这项研究计划的目标是探索替代解决方案，旨在提供足够的准确性和高精度，但将易于使用和成本效益，使更多的患者受益于这些技术进步。这项研究将在两个不同的主题中进行：a)增强的外科计划算法的调查和b)新的术中导航解决方案的开发和测试。我们的目标是确保更多的患者受益于IGS的技术优势。一名博士生、三名硕士和六名本科生将在从基础计算机科学到生物机械和机械工程再到外科的多学科环境中接受交叉培训。

This research program is directed to answering the question: "How can we improve the planning and performance of Image-Guided Surgery (IGS)?" IGS provides surgeons with methods for surgical planning and guidance for intra-operative interventions. In general, the procedure is a three step process: i) Medical Image Acquisition, ii) Planning and, iii) Navigation. During image acquisition, the anatomy is scanned using medical imaging (e.g. CT, MRI). In the planning phase relevant data (e.g. bone, cartilage) are extracted from the image dataset and a 3-dimensional (3D) model of the anatomy is constructed and surgical interventions are planned. During the surgery a tracking system, such as an opto-electronic camera, is installed in the operating theater and sensors are rigidly attached to anatomies and surgical instruments. The camera reads the information from these sensors and then computer graphics and registration algorithms are used to render the tracked position of the instruments on the virtual representation of the anatomy and/or the planned instrument trajectory. IGS systems can help the surgeon to achieve the best post-operative outcome. However, available systems for IGS require expensive technical equipment and bring a great complexity into the surgical theater. For these reasons, these techniques are still not widely available for clinical use. The goal of this research program is to explore alternative solutions, intended to provide adequate accuracy and high precision yet which will be easy to use and cost-efficient those allowing more patients to benefit from these technological advances. The research will be performed in two different themes: a) investigation of enhanced surgical planning algorithms and b) development and testing of novel intra-operative navigation solutions. Our goal is to ensure that more patients benefit from technological advantages in IGS. One PhD student, three MSc, and six undergraduate students will be cross-trained in a multi-disciplinary setting ranging from fundamental computer science through biomechanical and mechanical engineering to surgery.