GPU based real-time surgical navigation system with three-dimensional ultrasound imaging for water-filled laparo-endoscope surgery

Presently, a variety of navigation systems are employed in clinical treatments involving neurosurgery, ENT, orthopedic, and head and neck surgery. An ultrasound diagnostic system is used as the navigation system for movable and deformable organs in the abdomen or chest. In this study, we developed a real-time updated 3D ultrasound navigation system that facilitates the high-speed transfer of image data and GPGPU processing for fetal surgery and water-filled laparo-endoscopic surgery (WAFLES). Experimental results showed that our system was able to update every 62 ms. Further, in vivo experimental results showed the ability of our system to guide a surgeon to a target organ during WAFLES in a case where the endoscopic view experienced problems.