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465-0970-00L 6 Credits MSC , NDS D-MAVT , D-PHYS , D-ITET , D-HEST

Image Guided Medical Interventions

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Giovanni Fattori
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:31

Abstract

Computer assistance and robotics have transformed interventional medicine, enabling high-precision procedures across various clinical disciplines. This course introduces methods for image-guided radiotherapy and surgery, covering image processing, intraoperative navigation, and real-time technologies, and explores emerging approaches for clinical outcome modelling in oncology.

Objective

By the end of the course, students will be able to: - Explain the principles, clinical relevance, and technical foundations of image-guided interventions, with a focus on stereotactic radiotherapy and computer-assisted surgery. - Design, configure, and calibrate imaging and navigation systems used in high-precision therapeutic environments, including optical tracking and in-room X-ray imaging systems. - Apply and critically assess key medical image processing techniques such as segmentation, registration (2D/3D and 3D/3D), and anatomical modelling for interventional use. - Evaluate the integration and performance of intraoperative imaging, real-time tracking, and motion compensation technologies in clinical workflows. - Interpret and implement multimodal image registration and treatment verification methods, including those used in advanced proton therapy. - Discuss the role of clinical outcome modelling in oncological interventions, and understand their potential for data-driven treatment planning and personalized medicine.

Content

Course Content Overview: 1. Fundamentals of medical imaging and processing: - Basics of 2D, 3D, and 4D medical imaging - The DICOM standard - Image segmentation (thresholding, region growing, etc.) - Morphological filtering and image enhancement - Surface and volume modeling and rendering - Coordinate systems and transformation conventions 2. Image registration and modeling: - 2D-3D and 3D-3D registration (rigid and deformable) - Point-based and surface-based registration techniques - Multimodal image registration, including special applications (e.g., ophthalmology) 3. Technologies for intraoperative navigation and localization: - Computer-assisted procedures and surgical planning - Mapping and reference frame transforms - Medical robotics and their kinematics - Optical tracking systems and calibration - Intraoperative X-ray and imaging system calibration - Organ motion tracking and compensation 4. Advanced imaging for treatment verification and outcome analysis: - Quantitative MR imaging - Radiomics and clinical outcome modeling - Verification techniques in proton therapy using in-room imaging This course targets students with a strong interest in medical imaging, computer vision, robotics, or radiation therapy technologies. Whether you’re exploring 3D imaging, developing tools for surgical navigation, or interested in the role of image processing in modern medical procedures, this course provides both conceptual foundations and practical insights into state-of-the-art technologies used in image-guided interventions.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture materials and resources will be made available through the associated Moodle course page.

Literature

The listed books serve as supporting material for consultation and deeper understanding of selected topics. However, the lecture slides are self-contained and cover all essential content. All recommended literature is accessible through the ETH Library, and a curated list with direct links is provided via the Moodle Leganto page. Medical image processing: - Digital image processing - Rafael C. Gonzalez, Richard E. Woods. Publisher Pearson Education. - Handbook of Medical Imaging - Edited by Isaac N. Bankman. Elsevier/Academic Press. Optical systems and geometry calibration: - Multiple View Geometry in Computer Vision - Richard Hartley, Andrew Zisserman, Cambridge University Press. Computer Graphics and transformations: - Computer graphics principles and practice - John Hughes, James Foley et al. Publisher Addison-Wesley. Proton therapy: - Proton therapy physics - Harald Paganetti et al. Publisher CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC , NDS
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 40 minutes

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Image Guided Medical Interventions No time listed 2 h weekly
exercise Image Guided Medical Interventions No time listed 1 h weekly

Offered In