Applications of image processing in robot-based surgery

Image-guided navigation for surgery and other interventions is important because computer graphics and medical imaging modalities can improve doctors capabilities and are better integrated with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Images are used to select, plan, guide and evaluate therapy, and are especially used to reduce invasiveness. Navigation in diagnosis and therapy relies on rapid emerging technology in imaging and surgical instrumentation, especially 3D visualization, electronic atlases, interactive localization and robotic systems. 3D and real time imaging are essential tools that serve the needs of image-based navigation systems. The principal technical components of present and future navigation systems and demonstrate some of their applications in diagnosis and therapy are discussed.