A total of 16 heavy-projects, the
original 51, had qualified for Stage 2 of the announcement. The assessment team
stayed for six projects. The requested amount for the six projects was in excess
of 33 million. At the final assessment was modified to 26.5 million. Among six
the first project is:

# Augmented reality in the
operating room

Orjan Smedby, Professor

Linkoping University

5 250 000 SEK

To avoid postoperative complications
at brain tumor surgery, the surgeon must visualize both the tumor and functional
brain centers for, e.g. speech and motion. This project, representing image
guided surgery, aims at using Augmented Reality techniques for presenting
pre-operative Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data merged with the optical view
of the patient. The demonstrator project, to be performed in collaboration by
LiU’s Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV), XMReality AB
and clinically active neurosurgeons as well as experts in human-system
interaction, comprises construction of a tool for this purpose and evaluation by
laboratory tests where neurosurgeons will attempt to reach predefined anatomical
targets with and without access to the novel technique. Before
commercialization, but outside the scope of the demonstrator project, extensive
clinical testing is planned to take place. For that phase, collaboration will be
Sought with a strong industrial partner within medical engineering. If
successful, this project has the potential Thursday reduced the rate of tumor
recurrence as well as the risk of post-operative paresis or aphasia, thus
reducing human Suffering and society’s costs for medical care.