Plasmon resonance associated with nanoparticles of gold can enable photothermal ablation of tissues or controlled drug release with exquisite temporal and spatial control. These technologies may support many applications of precision medicine. However, clinical implementations of these technologies will require new methods of intraoperative imaging and guidance. Near-infrared laser surgery is a prime example that relies on improved image guidance. Here we set forth applications of augmented microscopy in guiding surgical procedures employing plasmon resonant gold-coated liposomes. Absorption of near-infrared laser light is the first step in activation of various diagnostic and therapeutic functions of these novel functional nanoparticles. Therefore, we demonstrate examples of near-infrared visualization of the laser beam and gold-coated liposomes. The augmented microscope proves to be a promisingimage guidance platform for a range of image-guided medical procedures.

PURPPOSE: The objective of this research was to measure MVS between the central incisors and the posterior areas to evaluate whether computer designed guides can be used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 150 adult subjects (aged 22−78) were included. The population was further stratified by race, sex and Angle Classification. The examiner measured the maximum vertical space (MVS) at six specific sites. Measurements were repeated twice at each site. In addition overbite and ovejet were measured at the central incisor position. The pilot drill/guide appliance combination space requirement was tested with each category of MVS measurement. RESULTS: (i) there was a race effect, with African American having a greater maximum vertical space measurement than Caucasian and Asian respectively (P < 0.0001); (ii) there was a also gender effect, with males having a greater maximum vertical space measurement than females(P < 0.0001); (iii) there was an inverse association with overjet on central incisors and first premolars, with less overjet subjects having a greater maximum vertical space measurement (P < 0.05). We found that overall only 76% of the female cohort in our sample satisfied this space requirement of Nobel Guide (45mm) at the central incisor position. SUMMARY: Using the Nobel computer guided surgery minimum dimension requirement of 45mm, our findings suggest that first premolar or second molar implants could not be placed in our sample of dentulous patients, while a central incisor implant could be placed in 76%-100% of subjects depending on gender and race factors.

Considerando as dificuldades que ocorrem com a localização e o posicionamento de implantes e, ainda, o risco de deslocamento das guias, tomográfica e cirúrgica, durante os procedimentos de diagnóstico e cirúrgico, foi objetivo desta pesquisa avaliar, se a alternativa de introduzir dispositivos para retenção e suporte, nas guias da técnica de cirurgia guiada convencional, interfere na posição e inclinação de implantes no momento da sua colocação. Foram confeccionados 10 modelos simulando tecido ósseo, divididos aleatoriamente em 2 grupos: 5 com a guia tomográfica e cirúrgica da técnica convencional, denominado grupo controle (M); 5 com as guias fixadas a ortoimplantes modificados associados ao sistema de encaixe o ring, representando o grupo experimental (MI). A avaliação dos resultados foi pela sobreposição dos planejamentos virtuais (Implant Viewer), derivados de tomografias computadorizadas pré-cirúrgicas, com as realizadas após a colocação dos implantes. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que não houve diferenças estatisticamente significantes para os desvios angulares (Teste Tukey F= 1,06 e p= 0, 3124) e lineares (Teste ANOVA F = 2,54 e p = 0,11). No entanto, os valores angulares individuais do grupo experimental (MI), mostraram ser mais próximos entre si, com menor variabilidade, quando comparados ao grupo controle. Concluiuse, que o uso de ortoimplantes associados ao sistema de encaixe o ring, pode trazer benefícios à técnica da cirurgia guiada convencional, reduzindo as alterações de posicionamento dos implantes no momento da sua colocação. / Computer guided surgery is an excellent alternative to the proper insertion of implants in patients with an edentulous arch or a partially edentulous area and with appropriate quantity of bone. Considering the difficulties that occur with implants placement and the risk of displacement of radiographic and surgical template during the diagnostic and surgical procedures, the aim of this research was to assess if an alternative devices for retention of radiographic and surgical templates can bring benefits for a more accurate implant placement. Ten models made by a material that simulates bone tissue were randomly divided into 2 groups: 5 with the conventional radiographic and surgical guide, which was called control group (M); 5 with modified orthodontic implants that fixed the radiographic and the surgical templates, representing the experimental group (MI). The evaluation of the results was by matching virtual plans (Implant Viewer), derived from pre-operative cone-beam CT images, with post-operative ones to calculate the deviation between planned and installed implants. The results showed that there was no statistically significant differences for angular (Tukey F = 1.06 and p = 0, 3124) and linear deviations (test ANOVA F = 2.54 and p = 0.11). However, the individual angular values of experimental group (MI) showed to be closer to each other, with lower variability when compared to control group. It was concluded that the use of modified orthodontic implant with o ring attachment can bring benefits to conventional guided surgery technique, reducing changes in ideal implant position.

Com o avanço tecnológico, a associação da tomografia computadorizada (TC) e da prototipagem rápida (PR) trouxe um recurso valioso em Implantodontia, a cirurgia virtual guiada. Dentre as vantagens dessa técnica está a possibilidade da confecção da prótese dentária previamente ao ato cirúrgico, porém, para isso, ainda há muitas falhas a serem supridas. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a adaptação marginal de infraestruturas metálicas de próteses fixas sobre implantes pré-confeccionadas, por meio da cirurgia virtual guiada, em modelos experimentais. Foram confeccionados dez modelos de maxila totalmente desdentada, divididos em dois grupos aleatoriamente: cinco com as guias tomográfica e cirúrgica fixadas pela técnica convencional de cirurgia virtual guiada, denominado Grupo I (GI); cinco com as guias modificadas pela sua fixação ao sistema de encaixe oring de ortoimplantes, representando o grupo II (GII). Com os dados obtidos a partir de tomografia computadorizada foi realizado um planejamento virtual de cada grupo, para a instalação de quatro implantes nas regiões dos dentes 26, 13, 16 e 23 (D, B, A, C), instalados nesta sequência. De acordo com o planejado, foi confeccionada uma guia cirúrgica prototipada e uma infraestrutura metálica de prótese fixa, para cada grupo. A adaptação das estruturas metálicas foi avaliada sob dois aspectos: a passividade (passividade A e D) e desajuste vertical (Todos), usando um microscópio óptico. O desajuste vertical foi mensurado com todos os parafusos protéticos apertados com torque de 10Ncm. Os resultados mostraram que o método de aperto Todos, no GII (A - 0,130 mm; B - 0,110 mm; C - 0,200 mm; D - 0,100 mm), foi a situação mais próxima do aceitável clinicamente, pois somente o implante C apresentou valor maior que 0,150 mm. Tanto no GI quanto no GII, a passividade D obteve melhores resultados do que em passividade A. A partir destes resultados, concluiu-se que: na condição Todos, o GII apresentou melhor adaptação marginal das infraestruturas metálicas quando comparado ao GI; o uso do ortoimplante associado ao sistema de retenção oring auxiliou na estabilidade das guias tomográfica e cirúrgica do GII; infraestruturas metálicas de próteses fixas sobre implantes pré-confeccionadas por meio da cirurgia virtual guiada não alcançaram adaptação marginal aceitável. / The combination of computed tomography (CT) and rapid prototyping (RP) has brought a valuable resource in dental implants, guided virtual surgery. Among the advantages of this technique is the possibility of manufacturing the dental prosthesis prior to surgery, but for this, there are still many failures to be addressed. The objective of this study was to analyze the marginal adaptation of prefabricated metal frameworks of fixed implant prostheses placement by virtual guided surgery in experimental models. Ten models of edentulous maxilla were randomly divided into two groups of five: GI and GII. The tomography guide and prototyping surgery in GI group were installed by conventional technique whereas in GII group they were retained by an orthodontic implants modified with o´ring system. From data obtained by CT, the virtual planning was accomplished for placement of four implants on the region of teeth 26, 13, 16, 23 (D, B, A, C) to be installed on this sequence. A prototyped surgical guide was manufactured for each group from the virtual planning and the metal framework was made using this guide. Four implants were installed in each model according to the planning by guided virtual surgery technique. The marginal adaptation of metal frameworks was evaluated from two aspects: passivity (passivity A and D) and vertical misfit (All). The level of vertical misfit frameworks was measured while all retaining screws tightened with torque 10Ncm. We used a standard method of tightening the screws, DBAC, so that the structure is fixed in the same sequence of installation of the implant. The results showed that the method of tightening of all the screws GII (A-0.130 mm, B-0.110 mm; C-0.200 mm and D-0.100 mm) was the most close to clinically acceptable, since only the implant C vertically, showed values higher than 0.150 mm. Both GI and GII, the passivity method D yielded better results than in passivity A. From the results it is concluded that, provided All the GII showed better marginal adaptation of metal framework when compared to GI, the use of the modified orthodontic implant, helped the stability of surgical guides and tomography of the GII; metal framework fixed prosthesis on implants, prefabricated through guided virtual surgery, did not reach acceptable marginal fit.

L'assurance qualité est une discipline récente dans le domaine médical, d'autant plus en odontologie. Sa mise en oeuvre passe dans notre discipline essentiellement par l'application de règles d'exigences vis-à-vis des dispositifs médicaux utilisés au sein des cabinets dentaires. Les implants, les piliers, les prothèses implantaires mais également les guides chirurgicaux sont des exemples appliqués au domaine implantaire. Cette technique chirurgico-prothétique se doit d'être exécutée dans les meilleurs conditions avec une exigence optimale : chaque acte pouvant avoir des conséquences sur le patient et/ou l'avenir du traitement. Afin de répondre aux exigences d'assurance qualité du traitement implantaire, il semble que les guides chirurgicaux statiques puissent être un moyen afin d'améliorer le placement implantaire impactant donc la qualité de la thérapeutique mise en place. Dans un premier temps, les notions d'assurance qualité et des dispositifs médicaux sont remis en lumière, notamment au travers du filtre de l'implantologie orale. Ensuite, la qualité du traitement implantaire est discutée : des bases historiques jusqu'aux connaissances d'aujourd'hui. Il est important de maitriser l'évolution de cette technique et des outils associées afin de comprendre et donc d'utiliser les outils diagnostics et thérapeutiques à notre disposition aujourd'hui. Le dernier temps de ce travail constitue l'évaluation des outils actuels en implantologie (CFAO, stéréolithographie, chirurgie guide statique, informatique) au travers d'une étude sur sujets anatomiques. Cette étude évalue la précision du positionnement implantaire avec des guides dits conventionnels et des guides de chirurgie guidée statique. Cette précision est évaluée par comparaison des images préalables de planification et des examens tridimensionnels post-opératoires / The quality assurance is a recent discipline in the medical domain, all the more in odontology. Its implementation passes in our discipline essentially by the application of rules of requirements towards medical devices used within dental surgeries. Implants, abutments, implant’s prosthesis but also the surgical guides are examples applied to the domain. This surgico-prosthetic technique owes be executed in the best conditions with an optimal requirement: every act which can have consequences on the patient and/or the future of the treatment. To meet the requirements of quality assurance of the treatment, it seems that the static surgical guides can be a way to improve the placement of implants thus impacting on the quality of the organized therapeutics. At first, the notions of quality assurance and medical devices are handed in light, in particular through the filter of the oral implantology. Then, the quality of the treatment is discussed: historic bases until the knowledge of today. It is important to master the evolution of this technique and tools associated to understand and thus use tools diagnoses and therapeutic at our disposal today. The last time of this work establishes) the evaluation of the current tools implantologie (CAD-CAM, stereolithography, surgery guides static, IT) through a study on anatomical subjects. This study estimates the precision of the implant’s positioning with conventional said guides and guides of static guided surgery. This precision is estimated by comparison of the preliminary images of planning and the post operative threedimensional examinations

The identification of eloquent areas is of utmost importance in the surgery of tumors located near speech-eloquent brain areas, since the classical concept of a constant localization was proven to be untrue and the spatial localization of these areas may show large interindividual differences. Some neurosurgical centers apply intraoperative electrophysiological methods that, however, necessitate the performance of surgery in the awake patient. This might be a severe burden both for the patient and the operating team in a procedure that lasts several hours; in addition, electrical stimulation may generate epileptic seizures. Alternatively, methods of functional brain imaging (e.g., PET, fMRI, MEG) may be applied, which allow individual localization of speech-eloquent areas. Matching of these image data with a conventional 3D-CT or MRI now allows the exact transfer of this information into the surgical field by neuronavigation. Whereas standards concerning electrophysiological stimulation techniques that could prevent a permanent postoperative worsening of language are available, until now it remains unclear whether the resection of regions shown to be active in functional brain imaging will cause a permanent postoperative deficit. / Die Identifikation sprachaktiver Areale ist von höchster Bedeutung bei der Operation von Tumoren in der Nähe des vermuteten Sprachzentrums, da das klassische Konzept einer konstanten Lokalisation des Sprachzentrums sich als unrichtig erwiesen hat und die räumliche Ausdehnung dieser Areale eine hohe interindividuelle Varianz aufweisen kann. Einige neurochirurgische Zentren benutzen deshalb intraoperativ elektrophysiologische Methoden, die jedoch eine Operation am wachen Patienten voraussetzen. Dies kann sowohl für den Patienten als auch das Operations-Team eine schwere Belastung bei diesem mehrstündigen Eingriff darstellen, zusätzlich können epileptische Anfälle durch die elektrische Stimulation generiert werden. Alternativ können Modalitäten des «functional brain imaging» (PET, fMRT, MEG usw.) eingesetzt werden, die die individuelle Lokalisation sprachaktiver Areale gestatten. Die Bildfusion dieser Daten mit einem konventionellen 3D-CT oder MRT erlaubt den exakten Transfer dieser Daten in den OP-Situs mittels Neuronavigation. Während Standards bei elektrophysiologischen Stimulationstechniken existieren, die eine permanente postoperative Verschlechterung der Sprachfunktion weitgehend verhindern, bleibt die Relevanz sprachaktiver Areale bei den neuesten bildgebenden Techniken bezüglich einer Operations-bedingten Verschlechterung der Sprachfunktion bisher noch unklar. / Dieser Beitrag ist mit Zustimmung des Rechteinhabers aufgrund einer (DFG-geförderten) Allianz- bzw. Nationallizenz frei zugänglich.

Com o avanço tecnológico, a associação da tomografia computadorizada (TC) e da prototipagem rápida (PR) trouxe um recurso valioso em Implantodontia, a cirurgia virtual guiada. Dentre as vantagens dessa técnica está a possibilidade da confecção da prótese dentária previamente ao ato cirúrgico, porém, para isso, ainda há muitas falhas a serem supridas. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a adaptação marginal de infraestruturas metálicas de próteses fixas sobre implantes pré-confeccionadas, por meio da cirurgia virtual guiada, em modelos experimentais. Foram confeccionados dez modelos de maxila totalmente desdentada, divididos em dois grupos aleatoriamente: cinco com as guias tomográfica e cirúrgica fixadas pela técnica convencional de cirurgia virtual guiada, denominado Grupo I (GI); cinco com as guias modificadas pela sua fixação ao sistema de encaixe oring de ortoimplantes, representando o grupo II (GII). Com os dados obtidos a partir de tomografia computadorizada foi realizado um planejamento virtual de cada grupo, para a instalação de quatro implantes nas regiões dos dentes 26, 13, 16 e 23 (D, B, A, C), instalados nesta sequência. De acordo com o planejado, foi confeccionada uma guia cirúrgica prototipada e uma infraestrutura metálica de prótese fixa, para cada grupo. A adaptação das estruturas metálicas foi avaliada sob dois aspectos: a passividade (passividade A e D) e desajuste vertical (Todos), usando um microscópio óptico. O desajuste vertical foi mensurado com todos os parafusos protéticos apertados com torque de 10Ncm. Os resultados mostraram que o método de aperto Todos, no GII (A - 0,130 mm; B - 0,110 mm; C - 0,200 mm; D - 0,100 mm), foi a situação mais próxima do aceitável clinicamente, pois somente o implante C apresentou valor maior que 0,150 mm. Tanto no GI quanto no GII, a passividade D obteve melhores resultados do que em passividade A. A partir destes resultados, concluiu-se que: na condição Todos, o GII apresentou melhor adaptação marginal das infraestruturas metálicas quando comparado ao GI; o uso do ortoimplante associado ao sistema de retenção oring auxiliou na estabilidade das guias tomográfica e cirúrgica do GII; infraestruturas metálicas de próteses fixas sobre implantes pré-confeccionadas por meio da cirurgia virtual guiada não alcançaram adaptação marginal aceitável. / The combination of computed tomography (CT) and rapid prototyping (RP) has brought a valuable resource in dental implants, guided virtual surgery. Among the advantages of this technique is the possibility of manufacturing the dental prosthesis prior to surgery, but for this, there are still many failures to be addressed. The objective of this study was to analyze the marginal adaptation of prefabricated metal frameworks of fixed implant prostheses placement by virtual guided surgery in experimental models. Ten models of edentulous maxilla were randomly divided into two groups of five: GI and GII. The tomography guide and prototyping surgery in GI group were installed by conventional technique whereas in GII group they were retained by an orthodontic implants modified with o´ring system. From data obtained by CT, the virtual planning was accomplished for placement of four implants on the region of teeth 26, 13, 16, 23 (D, B, A, C) to be installed on this sequence. A prototyped surgical guide was manufactured for each group from the virtual planning and the metal framework was made using this guide. Four implants were installed in each model according to the planning by guided virtual surgery technique. The marginal adaptation of metal frameworks was evaluated from two aspects: passivity (passivity A and D) and vertical misfit (All). The level of vertical misfit frameworks was measured while all retaining screws tightened with torque 10Ncm. We used a standard method of tightening the screws, DBAC, so that the structure is fixed in the same sequence of installation of the implant. The results showed that the method of tightening of all the screws GII (A-0.130 mm, B-0.110 mm; C-0.200 mm and D-0.100 mm) was the most close to clinically acceptable, since only the implant C vertically, showed values higher than 0.150 mm. Both GI and GII, the passivity method D yielded better results than in passivity A. From the results it is concluded that, provided All the GII showed better marginal adaptation of metal framework when compared to GI, the use of the modified orthodontic implant, helped the stability of surgical guides and tomography of the GII; metal framework fixed prosthesis on implants, prefabricated through guided virtual surgery, did not reach acceptable marginal fit.

Considerando as dificuldades que ocorrem com a localização e o posicionamento de implantes e, ainda, o risco de deslocamento das guias, tomográfica e cirúrgica, durante os procedimentos de diagnóstico e cirúrgico, foi objetivo desta pesquisa avaliar, se a alternativa de introduzir dispositivos para retenção e suporte, nas guias da técnica de cirurgia guiada convencional, interfere na posição e inclinação de implantes no momento da sua colocação. Foram confeccionados 10 modelos simulando tecido ósseo, divididos aleatoriamente em 2 grupos: 5 com a guia tomográfica e cirúrgica da técnica convencional, denominado grupo controle (M); 5 com as guias fixadas a ortoimplantes modificados associados ao sistema de encaixe o ring, representando o grupo experimental (MI). A avaliação dos resultados foi pela sobreposição dos planejamentos virtuais (Implant Viewer), derivados de tomografias computadorizadas pré-cirúrgicas, com as realizadas após a colocação dos implantes. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que não houve diferenças estatisticamente significantes para os desvios angulares (Teste Tukey F= 1,06 e p= 0, 3124) e lineares (Teste ANOVA F = 2,54 e p = 0,11). No entanto, os valores angulares individuais do grupo experimental (MI), mostraram ser mais próximos entre si, com menor variabilidade, quando comparados ao grupo controle. Concluiuse, que o uso de ortoimplantes associados ao sistema de encaixe o ring, pode trazer benefícios à técnica da cirurgia guiada convencional, reduzindo as alterações de posicionamento dos implantes no momento da sua colocação. / Computer guided surgery is an excellent alternative to the proper insertion of implants in patients with an edentulous arch or a partially edentulous area and with appropriate quantity of bone. Considering the difficulties that occur with implants placement and the risk of displacement of radiographic and surgical template during the diagnostic and surgical procedures, the aim of this research was to assess if an alternative devices for retention of radiographic and surgical templates can bring benefits for a more accurate implant placement. Ten models made by a material that simulates bone tissue were randomly divided into 2 groups: 5 with the conventional radiographic and surgical guide, which was called control group (M); 5 with modified orthodontic implants that fixed the radiographic and the surgical templates, representing the experimental group (MI). The evaluation of the results was by matching virtual plans (Implant Viewer), derived from pre-operative cone-beam CT images, with post-operative ones to calculate the deviation between planned and installed implants. The results showed that there was no statistically significant differences for angular (Tukey F = 1.06 and p = 0, 3124) and linear deviations (test ANOVA F = 2.54 and p = 0.11). However, the individual angular values of experimental group (MI) showed to be closer to each other, with lower variability when compared to control group. It was concluded that the use of modified orthodontic implant with o ring attachment can bring benefits to conventional guided surgery technique, reducing changes in ideal implant position.

L’imagerie de fluorescence est une technique d’imagerie médicale permettant de visualiser l’émission d’un traceur, ou fluorophore, à l’aide d’une excitation de type Laser ou LED. Les domaines d’application de la technologie sont la chirurgie oncologique, la chirurgie reconstructive ou encore la chirurgie cardiaque. Bien que les besoins en chirurgie ouverte soient importants, l’évolution des pratiques tend à démocratiser la chirurgie dite minimalement invasive. La chirurgie endoscopique va dans ce sens, le but étant de limiter les traumatismes opératoires rencontrés en chirurgie ouverte. Parmi les avantages de cette techniques on note une diminution des saignements et de la douleur, ou encore une réduction de la durée d’hospitalisation.Lors d’une intervention de type chirurgie ouverte, le praticien peur se contenter de la seuls information de fluorescence fournie par le système d’imagerie. Cependant, tout l’enjeu de l’imagerie de fluorescence pour la chirurgie mini-invasive est de venir greffer ne information relative au fluorophore sur une image couleur de très bonne qualité, essentielle au chirurgien. Pour une première évaluation, un système deux caméras a été réalisé. Un capteur est dédié à l’acquisition de l’image couleur et un autre à l’information de fluorescence. Cependant, notamment pour conserver pour conserver un système compact et proposer la meilleure ergonomie possible au chirurgien, l’endoscope final ne devra comporter qu’un seul imageur. Le principe de base est d’utiliser des impulsions de lumière d’excitation et de lumière blanche afin de séquentiellement acquérir les données de fluorescence et les images couleur. Il convient ensuite de traiter les informations recueillies pour reconstruire l’image désirée en temps réel. / Fluorescence image-guided surgery is a medical imaging modality which allows the surgeon to visualize a fluorescent probe previously injected to the patient. The probe could be specific or not and the technology is useful in a wide range of application from oncologic procedures to reconstructive surgeries or cardiac procedures. Despite the important needs of this technology in open-procedures, the surgery in general is more and more minimally invasive. The goal of mini-invasive surgery is to limit patient's per and post operation trauma. The advantages of the technique are a decrease of bleeding and pain and a decreasing hospitalization time.During an open surgery, the B&W fluorescence information given by the fluorescence image-guided surgery system is enough for the surgeon. For mini-invasive procedures, the in-game is to overlay the fluorescence information to high quality color image, compulsory for the surgeon to perform his procedure. As a first evaluation, a 2-sensors system has been rapidly developed. One sensor is dedicated to the acquisition of the color image and the other to the fluorescence information. In order to make the system more compact and improve the quality of the color image furnished to the surgeon, the final system should be composed of only one sensor. To create the color image and collect the fluorescence information with one sensor, the technique involved pulsed white light and excitation light in a sequential acquisition mode. The two information are combined and a real-time color plus fluorescence video is displayed to the surgeon.

In the past twenty years, the combination of the advances in medical imaging technologies and therapeutic methods had a great impact in developing minimally invasive interventional procedures. Although the use of medical imaging for the surgery and therapy guidance dates back to the early days of x-ray discovery, there is an increasing evidence in using the new imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic reso- nance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound in the operating rooms. The focus of this thesis is on developing image-guided interventional methods and techniques to support the radiation therapy treatment of gynecologic cancers. Gynecologic cancers which involves malignan- cies of the uterus, cervix, vagina and the ovaries are one of the top causes of mortality and morbidity among the women in U.S. and worldwide. The common treatment plan for radiation therapy of gynecologic cancers is chemotherapy and external beam radiation therapy followed by brachytherapy. Gynecological brachytherapy involves placement of interstitial catheters in and around the tumor area, often with the aid of an applicator. The goal is to create an optimal brachytherapy treatment plan that leads to maximal radiation dose to the cancerous tissue and minimal destructive radiation to the organs at risk. The accuracy of the catheter placement has a leading effect in the success of the treatment. However there are several techniques are developed for navigation of catheters and needles for procedures such as prostate biopsy, brain biopsy, and cardiac ablation, it is obviously lacking for gynecologic brachytherapy procedures. This thesis proposes a technique which aims to increase the accuracy and efficiency of catheter placements in gynecologic brachytherapy by guiding the catheters with an electromagnetic tracking system. To increase the accuracy of needle placement a navigation system has been set up and the appropriate software tools were developed and released for the public use as a module in the open-source 3D Slicer software. The developed technology can be translated from benchmark to the bedside to offer the potential benefit of maximizing tumor coverage during catheter placement while avoiding damage to the adjacent organs including bladder, rectum and bowel. To test the designed system two independent experiments were designed and performed on a phantom model in order to evaluate the targeting accuracy of the tracking system and the mean targeting error over all experiments was less than 2.9 mm, which can be compared to the targeting errors in the available commercial clinical navigation systems.