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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
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Technical Approach for Infrared Tracking for Soft Tissue Navigation with a Holographic Head-Mounted Display and Preclinical Validation
Published on: September 2, 2025
High-speed optical tracking and augmented reality platform for image-guided interventions
Nati Nawawithan1,2, James Yu1,3, Kelden Pruitt1,2
1University of Texas at Dallas, Center for Imaging and Surgical Innovation, Richardson, Texas, United States.
Journal of Medical Imaging (Bellingham, Wash.)
|June 19, 2026
Summary
This study introduces an augmented reality (AR) system for interventional procedures, enhancing surgical precision. The AR platform achieved low target registration errors in laparoscopic and prostate biopsy procedures.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging and Visualization
- Surgical Technology
- Augmented Reality Applications
Background:
- Clinicians face challenges mentally registering preoperative imaging onto patients during procedures.
- Accurate visualization of subsurface targets and critical structures is crucial for safe and effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an augmented reality (AR)-based tracking system for real-time 3D visualization of lesion targets.
- To improve the precision of interventional procedures by leveraging cross-sectional imaging data.
- To address the cognitive load on clinicians during complex surgical navigation.
Main Methods:
- Developed a customized high-speed, real-time optical tracking system integrated with a holographic display.
- Combined the tracking system with a computer workstation and graphical user interface for seamless operation.
- Validated the AR platform by measuring target registration errors (TRE) in laparoscopic and prostate biopsy procedures on phantoms.
Main Results:
- The integrated AR platform demonstrated effective real-time tracking and visualization.
- Average TRE was 4.17 ± 1.63 mm for laparoscopic procedures.
- Average TRE was 2.89 ± 0.84 mm for prostate biopsy procedures.
Conclusions:
- An AR platform with a high-speed optical tracking system was successfully developed for interventional procedures.
- The system shows significant potential for enhancing accuracy in prostate laparoscopic and biopsy procedures.
- The AR platform's capabilities can be extended to a wider range of interventional applications.
