This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to build a three-dimensional (3D) depth extracting laparoscope that will provide real-time 3D imagery to assist the surgeon. Laparoscopic surgery is performed about 1.8 million times per year. It benefits the patient with reduced trauma and hospital stays and has lower procedure costs due to quicker recovery. However, laparoscopic procedures take an additional 20 percent longer when compared to standard open procedures. This is primarily due to the difficulty in visualizing the operational area. This project will provide the surgeons with a 3D visualization tool that will allow them to visualize and immerse themselves similarly to traditional open cut surgery.
The commercial application of this project is in the area of biomedical devices and instrumentation.
