Surgical Navigation ... GPS in the OR

 

The three main components of Stryker’s Navigation CAS technology are a computer with sophisticated surgical navigation software, an infrared navigation camera and Smart Instruments.In much the same way GPS helps a driver navigate a city’s streets, computer assisted surgery (CAS) technology guides a surgeon on the patient’s anatomy during a procedure. It’s the reason CAS is commonly referred to as surgical navigation.

 

This technology employs the latest software to aid in pre-operative planning and intra-operative guidance of surgical instrumentation. Navigation CAS technology creates a virtual 3D model of the patient’s anatomy, generating a digital, interactive map for the surgeon to follow throughout the surgical procedure. In real time, the surgeon is able to track the exact position of instruments and implants in relation to the patient's anatomy, enhancing the overall precision of the procedure.

 

Stryker Navigation provides streamlined software solutions that allow surgeons to accurately track, analyze, and monitor instrumentation relative to a patient’s anatomy during surgical procedures to enhance patient outcomes. Each computer assisted software package focuses on procedural simplification, open platform solutions, and flexibility of workflow that meet specific surgeon demands. 

 

Why Computer Assisted Navigational Surgery

 

Computer assisted surgery (CAS) is taking visualization and surgical accuracy to new heights in the operating room. First utilized in neurosurgical procedures, where precision is of the utmost importance and millimeters matter, CAS technologies are now being utilized in neuro, spine, ENT, orthopaedic, and trauma surgeries. Surgeons may choose to use CAS for many reasons:

• Ability to plan surgery with a 3D computer model of the patient's anatomy, potentially saving valuable time in the OR

• Allows better visualization of anatomy, which is particularly important when minimally invasive techniques are used

• Provides the surgeon with real-time feedback on the exact location of instruments and implants and offers the ability to correct potential errors during surgery

• CAS does not replace the surgeon’s skills. With CAS in the OR, it may aid in the surgeon’s confidence, especially when operating in and around delicate anatomy

 

Navigation CAS technology benefits to the patient:

 

• Allows for minimally invasive techniques which may lead to smaller incisions, shorter post-operative rehabilitation and less blood loss.

• A 3D computer model of the patient’s own unique anatomy is created, guiding the surgeon to more accurately place implants based on the patient's unique anatomy

• In procedures where multiple X-rays might be used (such as spine and trauma surgeries), CAS may limit the number of X-rays taken and lessen the amount of radiation exposure.

 

Smart Instrumentation ... Intelligent Surgery

 

With Navagation our surgeons use a Smart Instrument during a spinal fusion surgery. CAS provides surgeons the ability to execute surgery with greater accuracy and visualization.In the operating room, the surgical team uses Smart Instruments to match the patient’s anatomy to the computer’s virtual model of the patient. This process is known as registration. Once complete, the infrared camera tracks the location of the wireless Smart Instruments and sends this information to the computer. The instrument location is then visually displayed in real time on monitors in the operating room, providing the surgeon with the exact position of the Smart Instruments in relation to the patient’s anatomy.

 

Medical device companies, like Stryker, continue to revolutionize and expand the field of computer assisted surgery. Currently, Navigation CAS technology is aiding orthopaedics, spine, neuro, ENT, and trauma surgeries. With CAS in the OR, our surgeons are able to execute surgery with greater accuracy and visualization.