Start of funding 01.07.2008

3D imaging using navigated nuclear probes for radio-guided surgery

Prof. Dr. Nassir Navab
Technische Universität München
Lehrstuhl für Informatik 16 - Informatikanwendungen in der Medizin

Dr. Farhad Daghighian
IntraMedical Imaging (IMI), LLC
Department of Development



Up to a 5th of the German population presents a nodular degeneration of the thyroid gland. The current standard diagnostic method includes a scintigraphy of the thyroid using a high-resolution 2D gamma camera. Recently our group proved that 3D scintigraphic imaging is possible by combining nuclear probes with tracking systems. In the scope of this project and as first application of this innovative technique, we aim at obtaining images of the thyroid in 3D, avoiding pitfalls and getting a precise diagnosis and localization of the said nodules. The current project will take the requirements for a real clinical use of the system and generate new hardware and software capable of offering a more precise and patient-tailored treatment. The ultimate goal is to bring this revolutionary new technology closer to its final goal as an intra-operative imaging modality for radio-guided surgery.