Novel Three-Dimensional Image-Guided Surgery: Application of a Computed Tomography-Based Three-Dimensional Model Using a Tablet Device

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: A tablet device has several medical applications because it's portability. Most importantly, its powerful graphics and touch-based features have several benefits in the surgical field, especially for generating three-dimensional (3D) images based on patients' computed tomography (CT) scans. METHODS: In this study, 3D objects were manipulated by an operator on an iPad during several laparoscopic surgeries of intra-abdominal organs. Before surgery, 3D structures, such as vessels, soft tissues, and bones, were reconstructed by the surgeon using the patients' CT scans on the patients' bed-side personal computer. RESULTS: In this study, 3D image-guided surgeries were performed using an iPad in five patients. The benefits of this technique were recorded and analyzed in detail by the surgeon. CONCLUSION: Although in a pilot phase with unresolved issues, direct intra-operative handling of a patient-tailored 3D model developed using a tablet device could be useful compared with conventional two-dimensional imaging.