Simultaneous Endoscopy and MRI Acquisition

An endoscope has been used to perform procedures with a laparoscope or thoracoscope in conventional operating rooms. One of the problems linked to endoscopic surgery is its narrow field of view and an inability to view the clinical target beneath the surface. Therefore, we propose an integrated environment where surgery can be performed with a magnetic resonance (MR)-compatible flexible endoscope in an MR scanner, and have developed a visualization system to navigate the endoscope for image-guided surgical procedures. In this system, MR images were used for the image guidance. An MR-compatible electromagnetic tracking sensor was used to track the endoscope tip. Augmented reality was achieved by fusion of the volume of interest and the real-time endoscope camera view. Real-time MR imaging helps to guide the needle to the target position accurately for the delivery of appropriate therapies. It might also improve the safety and efficacy of various percutaneous techniques such as radiofrequency and microwave liver tumor ablation.