Automated 3D overlay for X-ray guided surgery
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Cloud high-performance computing for 3D overlay in X-ray guided surgery
IRAS ID
158839
Contact name
Tom Carrell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
R&D Governance Manager
Research summary
CT scans are a common diagnostic test that contain 3D information and show soft tissues, but they are not useful for live guidance due to high radiation dose. Instead, low-dose X- ray videofluoroscopy guidance is used to guide many types of keyhole surgery. But while X-rays are good at showing bones and the position of surgical instruments, they do not show soft tissues well and they produce flat (2D) images that superimpose all the 3D anatomical features. One way to improve clinicians’ perception of 3D anatomy and soft tissue is to accurately overlay selected information from a preoperative CT scan onto the live X-ray image creating a ‘3D roadmap’.
The research team from King’s College London and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust have developed an automated 3D roadmap software technology for use in X-ray guided keyhole surgical procedures. This has been tested and validated in more than 130 operations over the last 5 years (IRAS 09/H/0707/64). The technology uses software algorithms to detect anatomical information present in live X-ray images and match ('register') them to the pre- operative CT scan in order to determine the patient’s exact position. This match then allows 3D information from the preoperative CT scn to be overlaid on the live X-ray. The system requires high computing power to work quickly.
Cydar Ltd is a spin-out company from Kings College London and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust, taking this technology and building a prototype system, Cydar RTRS1.0, that uses the power of cloud high-performance computing to deliver a fast, clinically useful system.
The next step in the development of this technology is to test the RTRS1.0 cloud high-performance computing prototype to test the safety, performance, usability and clinical benefit with a view to finalising system design and regulatory approval.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/EE/1143
Date of REC Opinion
20 Oct 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion