HiWi Job

Integrating Ultrasound into an International Framework for Image-Guided Neurosurgery
Advisor: Nassir Navab
Supervision by: Tassilo Klein, Ahmad Ahmadi

Abstract

ROBOCAST is a multi-national project comprising several institutes which aims at outlining and implementing a prototype system for advanced, robot-assisted keyhole neurosurgery. In order to validate the pre-operative plan intra-operatively and offer additional navigation and orientation for the surgeon, we incorporate 3D Freehand Ultrasound into the ROBOCAST system.

Task Description

• ROBOCAST is built upon Slicer3D, an open-source toolkit for viewing and handling of 3D medical imaging.
• There are several methods for interfacing inside ROBOCAST. For communication over the network, CORBA is used as middle-ware. Parts of the interface are already implemented.
• The task is to integrate our own programming environment CAMPAR into the Slicer3D environment using CORBA as middle-ware.
• Integration of existing Ultrasound Calibration solution into ROBOCAST system.
• Integration of 3D Freehand Ultrasound acquisition into the ROBOCAST system.
• Developing a GUI as a KWidget in Slicer3D for “intra-operative” visualization of ultrasound in the system.

Benefits

• Work in a multi-national project (Italy, Germany, UK and Israel)
• Contribute software and integrate it into a complex system architecture
• Get to know CORBA, a middle-ware framework for facilitation of complex integration tasks over the network
• Get to know Slicer3D extensively, an open-source framework for medical imaging that is being highly promoted by the research community
• Get to know our software framework at CAMP
• Get an extremely good starting point for future work at CAMP, e.g. IDP or Bachelor/Master/Diploma thesis

Requirements

• Skilled programmer with experience from other software development projects (e.g. in industry or as Hiwi).
• Good knowledge of standard C/C++.
• Basic knowledge and interest in software design and integration.
• Interest in working with different software frameworks (Slicer3D, CORBA (limited work needed), CAMPAR)
• Experience with MS Visual Studio.
• Duration of HiWi engagement at the chair: > 3 months, 6 months preferred
• Weekly effort: 10-20 hours in first 3 months, can be reduced later for maintenance