Computer tomographic analysis of organ motion caused by respiration and intraoperative pneumoperitoneum in a porcine model for navigated minimally invasive esophagectomy.

The position and motion of the esophagus was considerably influenced by respiration and creation of pneumoperitoneum. Esophageal motion correlated with respiration and skin motion. Possible compensation mechanisms for soft tissue deformation were successfully identified. The porcine model is similar to humans for respiratory esophageal motion and can thus help to develop navigation systems with compensation for soft tissue deformation.