Deep learning based ultrasound guidance for robotic spinal interventions

Pedicle screws are used often in a spinal fusion to add support and strength to the fusion while it heals. Traditionally, a large incision is made to implant screws and rods that stabilize the spine. In contrast, percutaneous pedicle fixation is a minimally invasive spine surgery technique, performed through the skin without a traditional large incision to implant screws and rods that stabilize the spine. The the BIROB Center (host institution) and Koellner Medical (https://koellner-medical.com) collaborate in the development of a new concept for robot-assisted percutaneous pedicle screw fixation. Previously, the Queen’s Perk Lab developed the concept of real-time tracked ultrasound guidance for planning and guiding percutaneous pedicle screw insertion and developed deep learning based ultrasound image segmentation. The overall objective of the project is to integrate deep learning real-time tracked ultrasound guidance in the BIROB-Koellner robotic spine surgery platform.

Faculty Supervisor:

Gabor Fichtinger

Student:

Partner:

Óbuda University

Discipline:

Computer science

Sector:

Other; Artificial Intelligence; Biotechnology

University:

Queen's University

Program: