Wiimote-based infrared system for instrumental tracking in minimally invasive spine procedures for training

Abstract

In this paper we present a Wiimote-based infrared tracking system to estimate the position of a single infrared marker placed in surgical instruments used for spine fixation procedures in an image-guided simulation system for training. The purpose of our research is the objective assessment of surgical skills and abilities during the simulation-based approach. A stereovision setup is used for calculating the position of the instrumental. In order to implement the triangulation algorithms, the horizontal and vertical fields of view need to be known, lens distortion is not taken into consideration due that the camera represents a linear homogenous system in this project. Moreover the tracking system has been integrated into a graphic user interface that allows the visualization of the spine anatomy in Postero-anterior, Lateral and Axial planes for visual feedback in pedicle screw insertion accuracy task.