Visual servoing in medical robotics: a survey. Part II: tomographic imaging modalities--techniques and applications

Int J Med Robot. 2015 Mar;11(1):67-79. doi: 10.1002/rcs.1575. Epub 2014 Mar 13.

Abstract

Background: Intraoperative application of tomographic imaging techniques provides a means of visual servoing for objects beneath the surface of organs.

Methods: The focus of this survey is on therapeutic and diagnostic medical applications where tomographic imaging is used in visual servoing. To this end, a comprehensive search of the electronic databases was completed for the period 2000-2013.

Results: Existing techniques and products are categorized and studied, based on the imaging modality and their medical applications. This part complements Part I of the survey, which covers visual servoing techniques using endoscopic imaging and direct vision.

Conclusion: The main challenges in using visual servoing based on tomographic images have been identified. 'Supervised automation of medical robotics' is found to be a major trend in this field and ultrasound is the most commonly used tomographic modality for visual servoing.

Keywords: X-ray fluoroscopy; computed tomography; image-based tracking; magnetic resonance imaging; medical imaging; medical robotics; minimally invasive therapy; tomographic imaging; ultrasound; visual servoing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Fluoroscopy / methods
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Robotic Surgical Procedures / methods*
  • Surgery, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Tomography / methods*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods
  • Ultrasonography / methods