Fusion Technologies for Image-Guided Robotic Interventions.

An image guided robot only becomes fully useful with integrated software leveraging image fusion. Image fusion is the process of registering and superimposing imaging data in the same coordinate space and can be helpful to image-guided robotic interventions. Effective percutaneous robotic procedures can utilize real-time image guidance and navigation which are powered by fusion technologies. By integrating information from multiple imaging modalities, fusion technologies provide insights into anatomic features and procedural targets that may not be apparent through traditional positional tracking or single-modality imaging. Current robots available for interventions highlight different approaches to utilizing real-time fusion and procedure planning. As robotics become increasingly integrated into interventional radiology clinical practice, the continued innovation and adoption of fusion-based approaches will enable more seamless use of this technology, offering the potential for improved safety, standardization, and clinical efficacy. This review explores key techniques in image fusion and highlights the integration of fusion and robotics towards the goal of optimized and automated interventional procedures.