HiWi position for endosonography imaging

Type: HiWi position
Advisor: Nassir Navab
Supervision by: Tobias Reichl

Abstract

Endosonography is a widely used imaging modality for diagnosis and intervention. Navigation systems might support both novices and experts, but a fundamental problem is tracking the endoscope tip within the patient. This project is located at our interdisciplinary laboratory IFL at university hospital Klinikum rechts der Isar. A camera and ultrasound calibration method is to be developed, which integrates into the clinical workflow. Existing methods need to be evaluated in lab and OR settings, new methods may need to be implemented and evaluated. For the tracking of the endoscope electromagnetic tracking is going to be used. Implementations exist for both camera calibration and ultrasound calibration, and phantoms for both are available. Based upon this work there will probably be opportunities for further projects in this area at CAMP, e.g. IDP or Bachelor/Master/Diploma thesis. If you are interested or if you have questions, please contact Tobias Reichl.

Clinical Setting

Endosonography is a widely used imaging modality for diagnosis and intervention. The learning curve is extremely flat, and a large number of examinations needs to be performed to develop skills and experience sufficient for expert level. Navigation systems might support both novices and experts, or enable new applications like ultrasound volume compounding or others. A fundamental problem is tracking the endoscope tip within the patient, and methods are being developed in our group. The work will be performed at our interdisciplinary laboratory IFL at university hospital Klinikum rechts der Isar.

Task

A camera and ultrasound calibration method is to be developed, which integrates into the clinical workflow. Existing methods need to be evaluated in lab and OR settings, new methods may need to be implemented and evaluated.

Methods

For the tracking of the endoscope electromagnetic tracking is going to be used. Implementations exist for both camera calibration and ultrasound calibration, and phantoms for both are available.

Requirements

• Strong programming experience in C++, OpenGL, and Matlab is required.
• Knowledge of camera calibration, tracking systems, image processing, etc. is required, e.g. successful completion of lecture "Computer Aided Medical Procedures".
• You need to be a current student at the Institute of Informatics of Technische Universität München.