A new module combining two tracking cameras to expand the workspace of surgical navigation systems

Surgical navigation systems based on optical tracking technology all suffer from the requirement for an unobstructed line-of-sight. The optical path between stereo camera and tracked objects has to be kept free or the navigation is suspended. In this article, we present a new module that combines the information of two tracking cameras simultaneously, to view the surgical site from two different angles. The module is designed to work with legacy navigation systems and established tools in order to facilitate its way into the operating room. With the new module, the staff's workspace can be expanded and the availability of navigation information during an intervention can be increased.