Fast image mapping of endoscopic image mosaics with three-dimensional ultrasound image for intrauterine treatment of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome

Abstract

This paper describes a fast image mapping system that integrates endoscopic image mosaics with three-dimensional (3-D) ultrasound images for assisting intrauterine treatment of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) by laser photocoagulation. Endoscopic laser photocoagulation treatment has a good survival rate and a low complication rate for twins. However, the small field of view and lack of surrounding information makes the identification of vessels anastomosis difficult. We have developed an extended placenta visualization system with the fusion of endoscopic image mosaics with a 3-D ultrasound-image placenta model. Fully automatic and fast calibration is used for endoscope calibration in fluid. The 3-D spatial position of the endoscopic images and the ultrasound image are tracked by a 3-D position tracking device. The mosaiced endoscope images are registered to the surface of the 3-D ultrasound placenta model by using a fast GPU-based image rendering method. Experimental results show that the system may provide an improved and efficient way of planning and guidance in laser photocoagulation TTTS treatment. © 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.