Computer Vision News - March 2022

42 AI for Urology and in close proximity to the stone. This becomes more challenging in cases where multiple stones need to be targeted, and it is preferred to avoid the need for a second tract. Hence, obtaining a precise tract is essential for a successful and safe procedure . To achieve the desired accuracy, the surgeon uses fluoroscopy, ultrasound, or both, to position the needle in the correct angle and to verify the needle’s depth. Both modalities suffer from inherent disadvantages: ultrasound has poor image quality and fluoroscopy does not allow depth estimation. Another issue is the radiation exposure with fluoroscopy . Excess radiation is harmful to the patient Urolithiasis, or kidney stones , is a common pathology affecting nearly 10% of the population in the USA. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a minimally invasive procedure intended to remove stones from the kidney and proximal ureter which are less amiable to other endourological modalities, specifically large stones or in the presence of abnormal anatomy. This procedure requires real- time ultrasound and/or x-ray guidance and is usually preceded with a CT scan for diagnosis. Gaining access is the first and most challenging part of the procedure. The tract needs to be created in the exact direction and depth of the kidney’s collecting system PCNL - PLANNING AND REAL-TIME NAVIGATION