ber of surgeons are
using the technology
for routine endo-
scopic sinus proce-
dures.
And although
image guidance has
not been proven to
result in fewer com-
plications or more
efficient surgery, at
least not in peer-reviewed journals, Dr. Senior believes there is
tremendous value in investing in the technology.
"It provides surgeons with a tool they can use to operate more con-
fidently," he explains. "Plus, your facility can market image guidance
to the growing number of patients who want to be operated on with
cutting-edge technology."
Of course, the $125,000 to $150,000 price tag can be a barrier to
widespread adoption, but Dr. Senior says manufacturers are develop-
ing stripped down versions of the systems with smaller footprints and
slimmer profiles to make the technology more accessible for facilities
with limited capital equipment budgets.
3
Hypoglossal nerve stimulation
In patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), muscles in the
throat and mouth relax during rest, causing the tongue and soft palate
to slide against the back of the throat and obstruct airflow to the
lungs. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices deliver
just enough pressure to keep the tongue and palate from falling back
against the throat and custom-designed mandibular advancement
1 0 0 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 8
•
VIRTUAL
3D
PLANNING
Stryker's
Scopis
Target
Guided
Surgery
lets
surgeons
view
surgical
plans
overlaid
onto
the
endoscopic
image
with
augmented
reality.
Stryker
