Laparoscope tracking for liver navigation

Laparoscopic surgery provides several benefits to the patients such as reduce postoperative discomfort, hospital stay time and recovery time. Despite the clinical benefits, since the surgeon views the organ on a 2D monitor, technical challenges such as loss of depth perception, limited tactile feedback and reduced orientation limit the use of this technique.

By using tracking technologies, it is possible to determine in real-time the position of the surgical instruments, and visualize it in a virtual 3D environment. This could help to overcome such challenges.

Project description:
The project is framed in the context of surgical navigation. This is a new surgical technique that allows to visualize the position or critical anatomy, surgical instruments and medical imaging in one coordinate system. This allows to predict the position of critical anatomy before the surgeon starts dissecting and can lead to safer and more accurate procedures.

The goal of this project is to develop a tracked laparoscope which allows to determine in real-time the position of the viewed organ. Starting from an already available scope and a commercially adapted camera, the project consists in developing a suitable enclosure which includes a EM tracked sensor, which allows for 3D positioning. This will be developed through 3D modelling software and build through 3D printing techniques. The tracked laparoscope will be then tested and validated with the support of surgeons.

Target

We are currently evaluating abdominal surgical navigation in open surgery. This technique seems effective and allows for more accurate resections. The next steps is to apply the same methodology (EM tracking, vessel registration) in laparoscopic settings. To this end, the major challenge is the tracking of laparoscopic instruments which are different than conventional tools and have to satisfy a different set of requirements. Within our group we have successfully developed method for tracking laparoscopic graspers and cutters and laparoscopes are the final instrument that need to be tracked, in order to enable laparoscopic navigation.

Prerequisites

• Enthusiastic Master student in electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, computer science, technical medicine or a related field
• A good team player with excellent communication skills
• A creative solution-finder

Duration: 10 weeks (M2) 

Start date: a.s.a.p.