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Navigated laparoscopic ultrasound in abdominal soft tissue surgery: technological overview and perspectives

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International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

Two-dimensinal laparoscopic ultrasound (LUS) is commonly used for many laparoscopic procedures, but 3D LUS and navigation technology are not conventional tools in the clinic. Navigated LUS can help the user understand and interpret the ultrasound images in relation to the laparoscopic view and preoperative images. When combined with information from MRI or CT, navigated LUS has the potential to provide information about anatomic shifts during the procedure. In this paper, we present an overview of the ongoing technological research and development related to LUS combined with navigation technology, The purpose of this overview is threefold: (1) an introduction for those new to the field of navigated LUS; (2) an overview for those working in the field and; and (3) as a reference for those searching for literature on technological developments related to navigation in ultrasound-guided laparoscopic surgery.

Methods

Databases were searched to identify relevant publications from the last 10 years.

Results

We were able to identify 18 key papers in the area of navigated LUS for the abdomen, originating from about 10–11 groups. We present the literature overview, including descriptions of our own experience in the field, and a discussion of the important clinical and technological aspects related to navigated LUS.

Conclusions

LUS integrated with miniaturized tracking technology is likely to play an important role in guiding future laparoscopic surgery.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical Technology, SINTEF, 7465, Trondheim, Norway

    Thomas Langø, Cecilie Våpenstad, Ole Vegard Solberg & Toril N. Hernes

  2. Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway

    Sinara Vijayan, Anna Rethy, Ronald Mårvik, Gjermund Johnsen & Toril N. Hernes

  3. Department of Surgery, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, Norway

    Ronald Mårvik & Gjermund Johnsen

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  1. Thomas Langø
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  2. Sinara Vijayan
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  3. Anna Rethy
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  4. Cecilie Våpenstad
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  5. Ole Vegard Solberg
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  6. Ronald Mårvik
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  7. Gjermund Johnsen
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  8. Toril N. Hernes
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Correspondence to Thomas Langø.

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Langø, T., Vijayan, S., Rethy, A. et al. Navigated laparoscopic ultrasound in abdominal soft tissue surgery: technological overview and perspectives. Int J CARS 7, 585–599 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11548-011-0656-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11548-011-0656-3

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