Overcoming disadvantages of current systems
Navigated surgery has become a state-of-the-art method in many surgical interventions. The challenge is that navigation systems are integrated into the complex OP environment and the demands to the system are different concerning space, accuracy and functionality. Existing systems have ergonomic disadvantages such as size, the “line of sight” problem, and extended operation time.
This project aimed to develop a miniaturised system fixed directly to the surgical tool, in order to overcome these problems.
Research
Project goal
We aim to develop a measuring and navigation system that corresponds to the requirements of current and future operation rooms. Special emphasis is placed on measured and recorded quality control and new workflows which reduce the operation time. By combining the precise measurement of new type of markers with surface scanning the registration process can be shortened substantially. In addition the three dimensional position of surgical implants can be determined with a few measurements only, which allows to simplify many surgical work flows.
Discussion
The total development of the measuring system, consisting of two 5-megapixel cameras was successful. Users (surgeons) and suppliers of surgical implants, who have been exposed to the system, have expressed their keen interest, as it opens up new applications and fulfills their needs for improved ergonomics and smarter, cost reducing work flows.
Results
A miniaturized measuring and navigation system with high resolution cameras has been developed and tested. Based on a cheap manufacturing process, biocompatible markers have been produced. They can be characterized by high precision (4µm), high contrast and autoclavability.
Software applications
Algorithms and a corresponding software applications have been developped and tested in an ex vivo study:
- app for maxillofacial restoration osteotomy: is ready for further tests
- app for hip replacement or unicondylar knee replacement: is available
Clinical trials will be carried out at the University Hospital Basel and Bruderholzspital.
Conclusion and further steps
Next steps focus on improvements in:
- measurement speed (up to 10 measurements per second)
- accuracy
- automatic calibration and registration
Project details
- Type
- Research project
- Research field
- Computer aided surgery, Medical image processing
- School
- FHNW School of Life Sciences / Institute for Medical Engineering and Medical Informatics
Contact
Prof. Dr. Erik Schkommodau
- Phone
- +41 61 228 54 19
- erik.schkommodau@fhnw.ch