Device and method for synchronizing an image capture device with a pre-operative image data set

A device for synchronizing a second image data set of a periodically moving area of a patient with a first image data set of the periodically moving area, wherein the periodically moving area moves in distinct phases over each period, comprising:

• a computing unit for
• (a) receiving a first image data set comprising previously recorded 3D image data recorded in a particular phase of movement, wherein the 3D image data further comprises phase information stored therewith as to when recording of the 3D image data took place relative to the period of periodically moving area,
• (b) extracting the phase information and deriving a shift time calculated from a difference between a triggering instant when recording of the 3D image data took place and a synchronization zero point relative to the period of periodically moving area, and
• (c) receiving current phase information regarding a current period of the periodically moving area and deriving a current synchronization zero point relative to the current period of periodically moving area, the computing unit automatically deriving a current triggering instant from the shift time derived from the first data set and the current synchronization zero point;
• an image capture device that records a second image data set, wherein the current capturing is triggered by the current triggering instant automatically derived from the first data set, so that the second image data set is synchronized with the first image data set upon capture;
• and
• a digital image processing system for producing an overlaid image comprising the second image data set combined with the first image data set.