Endoscopy of trabecular bone for intraoperative registration

• Applicant: Dr.-Ing. Lüder Alexander Kahrs
• Subject Area: Automation, Mechatronics, Control Systems, Intelligent Technical Systems, Robotics ; Medical Physics, Biomedical Technology
• Term: from 2014 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 246361443

The project iBoneRegistration explores endoscopy of trabecular bone structures (cancellous bone) for intraoperative registration in navigated bone surgery. Trabecular bone is optimally suited as features for establishing the spatial transformation between preoperative image data and the intraoperative situation thanks to the unique structural composition. This enables intraoperative registration without artificial landmarks or additional intraoperative radiation-intensive imaging as commonly used nowadays. iBoneRegistration investigates: (1) Algorithms for registration based on endoscopic images of trabecular bone and preoperative medical images using the drill hole wall. (2) Endoscopy techniques for in-situ acquisition of trabecular bone in drill holes. Besides medical grade endoscopes further technical optics are developed. (3) Clinical evaluation of trabecular bone endoscopy and registration methods exemplary for otology and orthopedics. The project extension deals with (A) Investigations on registration accuracy and performance for establishment of applicability and clinical acceptance and its optimization. (B) Correction of drill pose based on preoperative planning and the registered drill pose. Both new topics allow to move the actual investigations to a status where this technique will be useful inside the operating room.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigator: Professor Dr.-Ing. Tobias Johannes Ortmaier