New Surgical Platform for Sinuses and Skull Base

A new surgical navigation system offers enhanced visualization for surgeons treating conditions within the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) anatomy.

The Medtronic (Dublin, Ireland) StealthStation ENT surgical navigation system uses proprietary electromagnetic (EM) tracking technology to generate an EM field around the target patient anatomy during surgery, so that instrument positioning is dynamically tracked throughout the procedure, similar to a GPS system. The emitter can be placed under the patient's head, allowing more space for staff around the operating able.

The system includes a 27-inch, high-resolution touch screen with an intuitive user interface that can be tailored by the surgeon, and also offers software and hardware innovations, including virtual endoscopy, which provides a simulated view of the sinus cavities, a feature previously inaccessible with a traditional endoscope. Virtual endoscopy can be loaded within the patient's preoperative data to allow the surgeon to practice the surgical procedure before entering the surgical suite.

“Our goal is to improve outcomes for ENT patients by delivering innovative, market-leading products and solutions,” said Vince Racano, vice president and general manager of Medtronic's ENT business unit. “StealthStation ENT is one of the ways Medtronic continues to expand the boundaries of what's possible with ENT navigation.”

“The intraoperative use of computer-aided surgery is very helpful to assist the surgeon in clarifying complex anatomy during sinus and skull base surgery,” said Joseph Raviv, MD, director of endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery at NorthShore University HealthSystem (Chicago, IL, USA). “It provides an added level of assurance and may allow for a more thorough sinus procedure.”