Error analysis for a free-hand three-dimensional ultrasound system for neuronavigation

Abstract

Image-guided neurosurgery that is directed by a preoperative imaging study, such as magnetic resonance (MR) imaging or computerized tomography (CT) scanning, can be very accurate provided no significant changes occur during surgery. A variety of factors known to affect brain tissue movement are not reflected in the preoperative images used for guidance. To update the information on which neuronavigation is based, the authors propose the use of three-dimensional (3-D) ultrasound images in conjunction with a finite-element computational model of the deformation of the brain. The 3-D ultrasound system will provide real-time information on the displacement of deep structures to guide the mathematical model. This paper has two goals: first, to present an outline of steps necessary to compute the location of a feature appearing in an ultrasound image in an arbitrary coordinate system; and second, to present an extensive evaluation of this system's accuracy. The authors have found that by using a stylus rigidly ...