Surgical tool alignment guidance by drawing two cross-sectional laser-beam planes.

Area of Science:

• Medical Engineering
• Surgical Navigation Technologies
• Optical Guidance Systems

Background:

• Conventional surgical navigation systems require surgeons to divert attention from the surgical field to external displays, increasing patient risks.
• The need for intuitive, real-time surgical tool guidance within the operative site is critical for improving surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel laser-based navigation method for surgical tools.
• To provide direct, in-field guidance of surgical tool position and orientation, minimizing risks associated with conventional navigation.

Main Methods:

• A new navigation procedure utilizing two cross-sectional planar laser beams emitted from devices attached to an optical localizer.
• The laser beams indicate the surgical tool's entry point on the patient's body surface and its orientation on the tool itself.
• Experimental validation of the laser guidance system in simulated surgical scenarios.

Main Results:

• The laser navigation method demonstrated precise and accurate adjustment of surgical tools by surgeons.
• The system successfully provided real-time guidance directly within the surgical field.
• Feasibility was shown for application in both open and percutaneous surgeries.

Conclusions:

• The proposed laser-guided surgical navigation system offers a safer and more intuitive alternative to conventional methods.
• This technology has the potential to enhance surgical precision and reduce operative risks.
• The system is adaptable for a range of surgical interventions, including open and minimally invasive procedures.