Computed intraoperative navigation guidance--a preliminary report on a new technique

Abstract

Objective: To assess the value of a computer-assisted three-dimensional guidance system (Virtual Patient System) in maxillofacial operations.

Design: Laboratory and open clinical study.

Setting: Teaching Hospital, Austria.

Subjects: 6 patients undergoing various procedures including removal of foreign body (n=3) and biopsy, maxillary advancement, and insertion of implants (n=1 each).

Interventions: Storage of computed tomographic (CT) pictures on an optical disc, and imposition of intraoperative video images on to these. The resulting display is shown to the surgeon on a micromonitor in his head-up display for guidance during the operations.

Main outcome measures: To improve orientation during complex or minimally invasive maxillofacial procedures and to make such operations easier and less traumatic.

Results: Successful transferral of computed navigation technology into an operation room environment and positive evaluation of the method by the surgeons involved.

Conclusions: Computer-assisted three-dimensional guidance systems have the potential for making complex or minimally invasive procedures easier to do, thereby reducing postoperative morbidity.