How can doctors obtain intraoperative 3D images during clinical surgeries? This naturally requires the assistance of specialized medical equipment, known as intraoperative 3D imaging devices. These devices come in several main types:
Intraoperative CT uses a ring-shaped detector to perform a continuous 360° scan around the patient, capturing multi-angle 2D cross-sectional image data. Through computer-based 3D reconstruction algorithms, it generates axial, sagittal, and coronal images. Its core advantage lies in providing high-resolution 3D images similar to conventional CT, with the added benefit of real-time anatomical updates during surgery. For example, in orthopedic procedures, intraoperative CT allows surgeons to quickly verify screw placement accuracy or tumor resection boundaries, thus reducing the risk of postoperative corrections.
2. O-arm + Navigation System
The O-arm utilizes a ring-like mechanical structure that can rotate 270° around the patient during surgery. It captures multi-plane 2D images and synthesizes them into a 3D image. When combined with a surgical navigation system, the O-arm uses optical or electromagnetic tracking to monitor the spatial coordinates of surgical instruments and map their positions in real time onto the 3D image. This “image-to-space registration” technology allows surgeons to visually plan implant trajectories within a 3D navigation interface, significantly improving the accuracy of pedicle screw placement in spinal surgery.
3. 3D C-arm
The 3D C-arm collects hundreds of 2D fluoroscopic images by moving along an arc-shaped trajectory of 190° to 240° using its C-shaped gantry. It then reconstructs these images into 3D visuals using Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) technology. For instance, the “PLX C7600” by Perlove Medical features a 30cm × 30cm dynamic flat-panel detector, enabling a single scan to cover extensive anatomical regions such as the entire cervical spine, lumbar spine, and up to seven thoracic vertebrae—reducing repeat exposures caused by limited fields of view. The 3D imaging takes just 30 seconds (within a 190° scan range), and 3D reconstruction is completed in 8 seconds, allowing real-time surgical adjustments and significantly shortening the operation time.
