Cloud-based high-performance computing for real-time medical 3D roadmapping

Hospitals worldwide are moving their storage of medical imaging data to the cloud. As well
as connecting to large storage, the cloud can connect small computers to remote massive
computing resources, effectively turning them into supercomputers. Cydar Ltd, a spin-out
from Kings College London and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust, is developing a novel
class of clinical applications that use this potential of the cloud to deliver high-performance
computing into operating rooms to improve the outcomes for patients undergoing imageguided
surgery.
Cydar’s first product will be a ‘satnav for surgeons’ for use in X-ray guided keyhole surgical
procedures. CT scans are a common diagnostic test that contain 3D information and show the
soft tissues, but they are not useful for live guidance due to high radiation. Instead, real-time Xray
guidance is used in many types of keyhole surgery. While X-rays are good at showing
bones and the position of surgical instruments, they do not show soft tissues well and they
produce flat (2D) images that superimpose all the 3D anatomical features.
Cydar has developed software algorithms and high-performance computing technology that
detects anatomical information present in live X-ray images and matches it to the preoperative
CT scan in order to determine the patient’s exact position. This match allows a 3D
image of the relevant soft tissues (taken from their CT scan) to be accurately overlaid- giving
the surgeon a 3D ‘roadmap’. The core technology has been tested and validated in a proof-ofconcept
system in 130 operations.
The project will develop the current proof-of-concept technology into a cloud highperformance
computing prototype, in order to boost performance and test the user experience
in hospitals. This prototype stage will determine performance needs, inform