Comparison of three optical tracking systems in a complex navigation scenario

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Surgical Navigation
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Three-dimensional rotational X-ray imaging using the SIREMOBIL Iso-C3D is a standard intra-operative tool.
• Direct navigation with Iso-C3D relies on pre-calibrated image volumes and tracking systems.
• The accuracy of direct navigation is influenced by the choice of tracking system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of different tracking systems on the navigation accuracy of the SIREMOBIL Iso-C3D.
• To compare the performance of Optotrak 3020, Polaris P4, and Polaris Spectra tracking systems in direct Iso-C3D navigation.

Main Methods:

• Phantom experiments were conducted using an acrylic phantom with titanium spheres.
• Navigation accuracy was measured by comparing digitized and navigated positions of markers.
• Three tracking systems (two Optotrak 3020, one Polaris P4, one Polaris Spectra) were tested across two Iso-C3D devices.

Main Results:

• Average navigation accuracy was 0.86-0.96 mm for Optotrak 3020, 1.15 mm for Polaris P4, and 1.04 mm for Polaris Spectra.
• Polaris systems exhibited higher maximal errors but similar minimal errors compared to Optotrak.
• All tested tracking systems demonstrated comparable average navigation accuracy.

Conclusions:

• The choice of tracking system has a limited impact on the overall navigation accuracy of the SIREMOBIL Iso-C3D.
• Passive tracking systems like Polaris may have higher maximal errors, which can be acceptable depending on clinical application constraints.