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O U T P AT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4
Working with an
image-guided system is
like driving with a nav-
igator program in your
car. You know the gen-
eral direction you're
headed, but the tech-
nology gives you an
added degree of cer-
tainty in finding the
best route to get there.
Image guidance gives surgeons more confidence as they approach deli-
cate anatomy. They have a better idea of how close they're getting to the
dura that lines the brain adjacent to the nasal cavity and can easily iden-
tify critical structures to work around.
There are 2 options in image-guidance systems used during ENT
cases. I'm able to operate equally effectively with both, so the one
that's best for you comes down to surgeon and facility preference.
• Electromagnetic systems
do not require a direct line of sight
between instruments and the image processor, meaning images will
continue to be transmitted and displayed even if someone walks
between the surgeon and the system's unit. A potential drawback:
Surgeons must use proprietary instruments. Although the instruments
were limited in the past, the toolkit is expanding. Most systems have
multiple probes, suction devices and powered shavers that can be
programmed for use.
• Infrared systems
demand a clear line of sight between instruments
and the system's imaging unit. Fiducial markers are placed on the
patient's forehead and instruments reflect infrared light back to the
system's camera to track locations, so you have to be aware of how
S I N U S S U R G E R Y
Houston
Methodist
Hospital
ROAD MAP Image guid-
ance helps surgeons plot
courses through a
patient's specific anatomy.
