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Publications

Publications by Nuno Feixa Rodrigues

2014

An electromagnetic tracker system for the design of a dental superstructure

Authors
Moreira, AHJ; Queiros, S; Rodrigues, NF; Pinho, ACM; Fonseca, JC; Vilaca, JL;

Publication
Biodental Engineering III - Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Biodental Engineering, BIODENTAL 2014

Abstract
Nowadays, different techniques are available for manufacturing full-arch implantsupported prosthesis, many of them based on an impression procedure. Nevertheless, the long-term success of the prosthesis is highly influenced by the accuracy during such process, being affected by factors such as the impression material, implant position, angulation and depth. This paper investigates the feasibility of a 3D electromagnetic motion tracking system as an acquisition method for modeling such prosthesis. To this extent, we propose an implant acquisition method at the patient mouth, using a specific prototyped tool coupled with a tracker sensor, and a set of calibration procedures (for distortion correction and tool calibration), that ultimately obtains combined measurements of the implant's position and angulation, and eliminating the use of any impression material. However, in the particular case of the evaluated tracking system, the order of magnitude of the obtained errors invalidates its use for this specific application. © 2014 Taylor & Francis Group.

2014

Preliminary clinical trial in percutaneous nephrolithotomy using a real-time navigation system for percutaneous kidney access

Authors
Rodrigues, PL; Moreira, AHJ; Rodrigues, NF; Pinho, ACM; Fonseca, JC; Lima, E; Vilaca, JL;

Publication
MEDICAL IMAGING 2014: IMAGE-GUIDED PROCEDURES, ROBOTIC INTERVENTIONS, AND MODELING

Abstract
Background: Precise needle puncture of renal calyces is a challenging and essential step for successful percutaneous nephrolithotomy. This work tests and evaluates, through a clinical trial, a real-time navigation system to plan and guide percutaneous kidney puncture. Methods: A novel system, entitled i3DPuncture, was developed to aid surgeons in establishing the desired puncture site and the best virtual puncture trajectory, by gathering and processing data from a tracked needle with optical passive markers. In order to navigate and superimpose the needle to a preoperative volume, the patient, 3D image data and tracker system were previously registered intraoperatively using seven points that were strategically chosen based on rigid bone structures and nearby kidney area. In addition, relevant anatomical structures for surgical navigation were automatically segmented using a multi-organ segmentation algorithm that clusters volumes based on statistical properties and minimum description length criterion. For each cluster, a rendering transfer function enhanced the visualization of different organs and surrounding tissues. Results: One puncture attempt was sufficient to achieve a successful kidney puncture. The puncture took 265 seconds, and 32 seconds were necessary to plan the puncture trajectory. The virtual puncture path was followed correctively until the needle tip reached the desired kidney calyceal. Conclusions: This new solution provided spatial information regarding the needle inside the body and the possibility to visualize surrounding organs. It may offer a promising and innovative solution for percutaneous punctures.

2013

Collecting System Percutaneous Access Using Real-Time Tracking Sensors: First Pig Model In Vivo Experience

Authors
Rodrigues, PL; Vilaca, JL; Oliveira, C; Cicione, A; Rassweiler, J; Fonseca, J; Rodrigues, NF; Correia Pinto, J; Lima, E;

Publication
JOURNAL OF UROLOGY

Abstract
Purpose: Precise needle puncture of the renal collecting system is an essential but challenging step for successful percutaneous nephrolithotomy. We evaluated the efficiency of a new real-time electromagnetic tracking system for in vivo kidney puncture. Materials and Methods: Six anesthetized female pigs underwent ureterorenoscopy to place a catheter with an electromagnetic tracking sensor into the desired puncture site and ascertain puncture success. A tracked needle with a similar electromagnetic tracking sensor was subsequently navigated into the sensor in the catheter. Four punctures were performed by each of 2 surgeons in each pig, including 1 each in the kidney, middle ureter, and right and left sides. Outcome measurements were the number of attempts and the time needed to evaluate the virtual trajectory and perform percutaneous puncture. Results: A total of 24 punctures were easily performed without complication. Surgeons required more time to evaluate the trajectory during ureteral than kidney puncture (median 15 seconds, range 14 to 18 vs 13, range 11 to 16, p 0.1). Median renal and ureteral puncture time was 19 (range 14 to 45) and 51 seconds (range 45 to 67), respectively (p 0.003). Two attempts were needed to achieve a successful ureteral puncture. The technique requires the presence of a renal stone for testing. Conclusions: The proposed electromagnetic tracking solution for renal collecting system puncture proved to be highly accurate, simple and quick. This method might represent a paradigm shift in percutaneous kidney access techniques.

2013

Application to quantify fetal lung branching on rat explants

Authors
Rodrigues, PL; Granja, S; Moreira, A; Rodrigues, N; Vilaca, JL;

Publication
VISAPP 2013 - Proceedings of the International Conference on Computer Vision Theory and Applications

Abstract
Recently, regulating mechanisms of branching morphogenesis of fetal lung rat explants have been an essential tool for molecular research. The development of accurate and reliable segmentation techniques may be essential to improve research outcomes. This work presents an image processing method to measure the perimeter and area of lung branches on fetal rat explants. The algorithm starts by reducing the noise corrupting the image with a pre-processing stage. The outcome is input to a watershed operation that automatically segments the image into primitive regions. Then, an image pixel is selected within the lung explant epithelial, allowing a region growing between neighbouring watershed regions. This growing process is controlled by a statistical distribution of each region. When compared with manual segmentation, the results show the same tendency for lung development. High similarities were harder to obtain in the last two days of culture, due to the increased number of peripheral airway buds and complexity of lung architecture. However, using semiautomatic measurements, the standard deviation was lower and the results between independent researchers were more coherent.

2020

Guest Editorial: Special Issue on Serious Games for Health

Authors
Duque, D; Vilaca, JL; Zielke, MA; Dias, N; Rodrigues, NF; Thawonmas, R;

Publication
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON GAMES

Abstract

2019

ISVC - Digital Platform for Detection and Prevention of Computer Vision Syndrome

Authors
Vieira, F; Oliveira, E; Rodrigues, N;

Publication
2019 IEEE 7th International Conference on Serious Games and Applications for Health, SeGAH 2019

Abstract
This paper describes the research, development and evaluation process of a solution based on computer vision for the detection and prevention of Computer Vision Syndrome, a type of eye fatigue characterized by the appearance of ocular symptoms during or after prolonged periods watching digital screens. The system developed targets users of computers and mobile devices, detecting and warning users to the occurrence of eye fatigue situations and suggesting corrective behaviours in order to prevent more complicated health consequences. The implementation resorts to machine learning techniques, using eye images datasets for training the eye state detection algorithm. OpenCV Lib was used for eye's segmentation and subsequent fatigue analysis. The final goal of the system is to provide users and health professionals with quality data analysis of eye fatigue levels, in order to raise awareness over accumulated stress and promote behaviour change. © 2019 IEEE.

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