A Study of Camera Tip Position Estimating Methods in Transnasal Endoscopic Surgery

Abstract

In this study, we developed a navigation system for transnasal endoscopic surgery based on estimations of tip positioning of laparoscopic cameras from related studies and research of orientation control methods using a 3D model display of organs during the process. In transnasal endoscopic surgery, to remove pituitary tumors, a nasoscope and surgical instruments are inserted into the nasal cavity, and an incision is made in the sphenoidal sinus (paranasal sinus) and Turkish saddle (sella turcica), so that removal of the tumor can be performed from the bottom of the pituitary gland. The advantage of this technique is that it is less invasive for the patient than a craniotomy. However, this approach requires surgeons to use advanced techniques. Thus, we have aimed to develop an AR surgical navigation system that superimposes information about the affected area in the image of the operating area. In this research, to develop an AR surgical navigation system, we take on one of the necessary tasks of investigating methods for estimating the tip position of the endoscopic camera.