3D pose estimation of biological tissues by means of CT and fluoroscopy

The aim of this study is to develop a method to estimate the 3D positioning of an anatomic structure using the knowledge of its volume combined with a single fluoroscopic projection. This method could be applied in computer-aided surgery or in the study of 3D body joints kinematics. The position of the patient volume relatively to the fluoroscopic device is estimated comparing the actual fluoroscopic projection with Digitally Reconstructed Radiography (DRR), maximising a similarity index. To assess the method a computer simulation, involving a test CT volume, has been carried out. Estimation errors have been statistically evaluated, showing the feasibility of the method. A calibration model is now being realised to evaluate accuracy and efficacy in the real case.