Interactive 3D technology reveals hidden tumors during surgery
Tumors beneath the surface of the liver can be difficult to locate during laparoscopic, or keyhole, surgery. The new technology uses augmented reality to overlay a 3D visualization of the tumor and other anatomical structures on the surgeon's camera view. The visualization is updated as the camera changes position.
Laparoscopic surgery often requires locating hidden tumors beneath the liver's surface. To address this challenge, researchers have developed an augmented reality system that uses 3D visualization overlaid on the surgeon's camera view. This technology, created through collaboration between mathematicians and surgeons, was first utilized in a successful liver surgery in June 2026.
The system relies on a small sticker placed on the liver's surface, which functions as an artificial landmark. As the camera navigates the area, the system recalculates the tumor's position using the X-ray image taken before the operation and the camera's location. This dynamic guidance allows for real-time adjustments during the procedure.
While initially developed for liver surgery, the researchers anticipate expanding the technology to other laparoscopic procedures and various organs. The interdisciplinary approach, combining medical expertise with mathematical modeling, has proven effective and is expected to lead to broader applications in surgical practices.
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