Stereoscopic Navigation-Controlled Display of Preoperative MRI and Intraoperative 3D Ultrasound in Planning and Guidance of Neurosurgery: New Technology for Minimally Invasive Image-Guided Surgery Approaches

Abstract

Interactive stereoscopic visualization improves perception and enhances the ability to understand complex 3D anatomy. The practical benefit of 3D display is increased considerably when integrated with surgical navigation systems, since the orientation of the stereoscopic projection corresponds to the orientation of the patient on the operating table. Stereoscopic visualizations work well on MR and CT images, although volume rendering techniques are especially suitable for intraoperative 3D ultrasound image data.