Video-Based Tracking of Laparoscopic Instruments Using an Orthogonal Webcams System

This paper presents a system for tracking the movement of laparoscopic instruments which is based on an orthogonal system of webcams and video image processing. The movements are captured with two webcams placed orthogonally inside of the physical trainer. On the image, the instruments were detected by using color markers placed on the distal tip of each instrument. The 3D position of the tip of the instrument within the work space was obtained by linear triangulation method. Preliminary results showed linearity and repeatability in the motion tracking with a resolution of 0.616mm in each axis; the accuracy of the system showed a 3D instrument positioning error of 1.009 ± 0.101mm. This tool is a portable and low-cost alternative to traditional tracking devices and a trustable method for the objective evaluation of the surgeon’s surgical skills. Keywords—Laparoscopic Surgery, Orthogonal Vision, Tracking Instruments, Triangulation.