Open-source software development company Kitware landed Phase I Small Business Innovation Research funding to create an augmented reality visualization prototype for robot-assisted prostate surgery.
"Our goal is to better equip surgeons during robot-assisted prostate surgery by improving their ability to visualize the prostate and surrounding critical anatomy," says principal investigator Andinet Enquobahrie in prepared remarks. "This will lead to more accurate and reliable guidance and better surgical outcomes."
The augmented reality system will be created by fusing pre-operative MRI imaging of the prostate area with robotic assisted laparoscopic video during surgery. This will allow surgeons to perform prostatectomies with better accuracy and lead to improved outcomes and fewer complications, according to the company.
Kitware will be partner with the Center for Computer Integrated Surgical Systems & Technology at Johns Hopkins University and Blue Torch Medical Technologies.
The Small Business Innovation Research grant is from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging & Bioengineering through a joint initiative between the National Institutes of Health, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the National Science Foundation, the USDA and the Dept. of Homeland Security.