From medical image computing to computer-aided intervention: Development of a research interface for image-guided navigation

Background: This paper describes the development and application of a research interface to integrate research image analysis software with a commercial image-guided surgery navigation system. This interface enables bi-directional transfer of data such as images, visualizations and tool positions in real time. Methods: We describe both the design and the application programming interface of the research interface, as well as showing the function of an example client program. The resulting interface provides a practical and versatile link for bringing image analysis research techniques into the operating room (OR). Results: We present examples from the successful use of this research interface in both phantom experiments and real neurosurgeries. In particular, we demonstrate that the integrated dual-computer system achieves tool-tracking performance that is comparable to the more typical single-computer scenario. Conclusions: Network interfaces for this type are viable solutions for the integration of commercial image-guided navigation systems and research software.