Then the panoramic stitching software assembles the video images obtained during cystoscopy into a single 3D panoramic image that characterizes the entire contour of the bladder. The goal of this study was to combine these two technologies and move towards semi-automated cystoscopic examination of the bladder. By applying the panoramic stitching algorithm from a rigid cystoscopy, the group was able to obtain a single panoramic map of the bladder and also using a 1.5 mm SFE, an ex-vivo porcine bladder was imaged and compiled into a panoramic image. Both attempts of 3D panoramic reconstructions were feasible and successful with only misalignments noted in the order of 1-2 pixels.
They concluded from their study that this combination of the SFE and panoramic stitching software permitted a detailed anatomy of the bladder and may possibly revolutionize the diagnostic testing of the bladder in the future - allowing a semi-automated exam by an ancillary provider and interpreation at a later time by a urologist. This is a very interesting and promising technology that is still in the early phases of research. Further tests in the animal and clinical setting will be needed to validate the precision and accuracy for future potential applications.
Presented by Michael Porter, et al. at the American Urological Association (AUA) Annual Meeting - May 14 - 19, 2011 - Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC USA
Reported for UroToday by Hak Lee, MD, Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine.
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