M. Giménez, B. Gallix, G. Costamagna, J.N. Vauthey, M. Moche, G. Wakabayashi, R. Bale, L. Swanström, J.J. Fütterer, D.d Geller, J.M. Verde, A. García Vazquez, I. Boškoski, N. Golse, B. Müller-Stich, B. Dallemagne, M. Falkenberg, S. Jonas, C. Riediger, M. Diana, N. Kvarnström, B.C. Odisio, E. Serra, C.G. Overduin, M. Palermo, D. Mutter, S. Perretta, P. Pessaux, L. Soler, A. Hostettler, T. Collins, S. Cotin, M. Kostrzewa, A. Alzaga, M. Smith & J. Marescaux
OBJECTIVE: To develop consensus definitions of image-guided surgery, computer-assisted surgery, hybrid operating room, and surgical navigation systems.
SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The use of minimally invasive procedures has increased tremendously over the past 2 decades, but terminology related to image-guided minimally invasive procedures has not been standardized, which is a barrier to clear communication.
METHODS: Experts in image-guided techniques and specialized engineers were invited to engage in a systematic process to develop consensus definitions of the key terms listed above. The process was designed following review of common consensus-development methodologies and included participation in 4 online surveys and a post-surveys face-to-face panel meeting held in Strasbourg, France.
RESULTS: The experts settled on the terms computer-assisted surgery and intervention, image-guided surgery and intervention, hybrid operating room, and guidance systems and agreed-upon definitions of these terms, with rates of consensus of more than 80% for each term. The methodology used proved to be a compelling strategy to overcome the current difficulties related to data growth rates and technological convergence in this field.
CONCLUSIONS: Our multidisciplinary collaborative approach resulted in consensus definitions that may improve communication, knowledge transfer, collaboration, and research in the rapidly changing field of image-guided minimally invasive techniques.