New imaging strategies for laparoscopic management of cancer

The Information Age has brought to the medical and surgical community the tools of digital imaging and 3-dimensional (3-D) visualization. These tools provide new methods for diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Using 3-D reconstructions from computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans of patient-specific anatomy, diagnosis from virtual endoscopy is supplementing or replacing invasive endoscopic procedures. These same images can be used for preoperative planning of complicated procedures. At the time of surgery, data fusion of the real-time video image and the preoperative digital image provides intraoperative stereotactic navigation. These augmentations can be used in many types of procedures, from open and minimally invasive surgery to catheter-based and energy-directed therapies. This is a US government work. There are no restrictions on its use.