Navigation in laparoscopy – prototype research platform for improved image‐guided surgery

The manipulation of the surgical field in laparoscopic surgery, through small incisions with rigid instruments, reduces free sight, dexterity, and tactile feedback. To help overcome some of these drawbacks, we present a prototype research and development platform, CustusX, for navigation in minimally invasive therapy. The system can also be used for planning and follow-up studies. With this platform we can import and display a range of medical images, also real-time data such as ultrasound and X-ray, during surgery. Tracked surgical tools, such as pointers, video laparoscopes, graspers, and various probes, allow surgeons to interactively control the display of medical images during the procedure. This paper introduces navigation technologies and methods for laparoscopic therapy, and presents our software and hardware research platform. Furthermore, we illustrate the use of the system with examples from two pilots performed during laparoscopic therapy. We also present new developments that are currently being integrated into the system for future use in the operating room. Our initial results from pilot studies using this technology with preoperative images and guidance in the retroperitoneum during laparoscopy are promising. Finally, we shortly describe an ongoing multicenter study using this surgical navigation system platform.