Surgical Navigation Using Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Images Fused Intraoperatively with Live Video

For novice surgeons, successful laparoscopic radical nephrectomy depends on the treatment of the renal vessels, and the use of computed tomography assists in navigation during the surgery.To navigate during surgery, three-dimensional volume-rendered images of the renal vessels, kidneys, and surrounding organs were created intraoperatively by the surgeon using an image-processing application. A surgeon adjusted the angle of view and the size of the images according to surgical views during the operation, using a wireless mouse enclosed in a sterilized bag. These images were simultaneously fused onto live video using image-capture software.Novice surgeons easily constructed the augmented reality images intraoperatively and were able to successfully treat the renal vessels.The combination of three-dimensional computed tomography volume-rendered images with live video is a valuable navigation system for use intraoperatively.