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

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.