Tag: surgical navigation

Design of smart tools to support pre- and intra-operative use of surgical navigation systems

motorized-holder-stereo-camera

Design of smart tools to support pre- and intra-operative use of surgical navigation systems: Concepts of microcontroller-based display- and actuator-modules, by Gieseler et al. Technisches Messen (2018) published ahead of print.

Abstract

In this paper we present novel solutions to support the application of computer assisted surgical interventions in which optical surgical navigation systems based on stereo cameras are used. The objective is to improve both the pre-operative setup and the intra-operative use of the navigation system. Following a short introduction describing the potential for improvements of existing navigation systems new approaches and the components to implement them are described. The pre-operative alignment of the stereo camera is made easier by attaching a small graphic display to its tripod which can show how much of the operating area is covered by the measurement volume of the camera. The intra-operative application is improved by a mechanism for motorized camera motions in order to follow the position of surgical instruments. Furthermore a small display can be attached to a surgical instrument which clearly indicates to the surgeon how to guide the instrument in order to stay on the planned trajectory.

mini-display-reamer
Mini-display (white) and RB (yellow) attached to a reamer
tool used for hip replacement surgery.

Current role of computer navigation in total knee arthroplasty (review)

caos-tka

Current Role of Computer Navigation in Total Knee Arthroplasty, by Christopher W. Jones and Seth A. Jerabek, AAHKS Symposium (Accepted manuscript, in press).

Abstract:

Background
Computer-assisted surgical (CAS) navigation has been developed with the aim of improving the accuracy and precision of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) component positioning and therefore overall limb alignment. The historical goal of knee arthroplasty has been to restore the mechanical alignment of the lower limb by aligning the femoral and tibial components perpendicular to the mechanical axis of the femur and tibia. Despite over four decades of TKA component development and nearly two decades of interest in CAS, the fundamental question remains; does the alignment goal and/or the method of achieving that goal affect the outcome of the TKA in terms of patient reported outcome measures and/or overall survivorship? The quest for reliable and reproducible achievement of the intra-operative alignment goal has been the primary motivator for the introduction, development and refinement of CAS navigation. Numerous proprietary systems now exist and rapid technological advancements in computer processing power are stimulating further development of robotic surgical systems. Three categories of CAS can be defined; image-based large console navigation; imageless large-console navigation and more recently, accelerometer based hand-held navigation systems have been developed.

Conclusion
A review of the current literature demonstrates that there are enough well-designed studies to conclude that both large-console CAS and handheld navigation systems improve the accuracy and precision of component alignment in TKA. However, missing from the evidence base, other than the subgroup analysis provided by the AOANJRR, are any conclusive demonstrations of a clinical superiority in terms of improved patient reported outcome measures and/or decreased cumulative revision rates in the long term. Few authors would argue that accuracy of alignment is a goal to ignore, therefore in the absence of clinical evidence, many of the arguments against the use of large console CAS navigation centre on the prohibitive cost of the systems. The utilization of low-cost, handheld CAS navigation systems may therefore bridge this important gap and over time, further clinical evidence may emerge