2014 Project Week:Ultrasound Visualization and Navigation in Neurosurgery

• 

  Projects List

Visualizing MRI and 3D Ultrasound

Navigating MRI and Ultrasound via gestures using Slicer and a Leap Motion system

Key Investigators

BWH: Matthew Toews, Alireza Mehrtash, Steve Pieper, William M. Wells III

Queen's: Csaba Pinter, Andras Lasso

Project Description

Objective

This project will investigate approaches to ultrasound-based visualization and navigation in the context of neurosurgery. The goal will be to develop a persistent representation of intra-operatively acquired 2D US data that can be visualized in conjunction with pre-operative MR data.

Approach, Plan

• We will brainstorm approaches based on current Slicer and PLUS software capabilities. Possible approaches include
  • real-time 3D ultrasound reconstruction
  • painting US data onto predefined visualization planes.

Progress

• We developed a python module that can be used to reconstruct ultrasound volumes online from Slicer, via an active PLUS Server connection.
• The ultrasound volume can be generated rapidly, visualized and navigated via Slicer, e.g. using a stylus and the VolumeResliceDriver module.
• We tested the module on data an existing AMIGO neurosurgery case, and investigated navigation via a Leap Motion gesture controller.

Links

• Slicer Python Module

PLUS Server Reconstruction Information:

• https://www.assembla.com/spaces/plus/wiki/PlusServer_commands
• https://www.assembla.com/spaces/plus/messages/2655013