Fluoroscopy-Based Surgical Navigation System

A new integrated surgical navigation system using electromagnetic tracking coupled with high resolution fluoroscopic imaging is designed to provide superior tracking accuracy and reliability in the operating room (OR). These, in turn, are expected to result in improved surgical outcomes and reduced x-ray exposure.

Precise accuracy and easy tool placement are essential features in a surgical navigation system, particularly for the spine surgeon. When drilling and placing spinal fixation hardware just a few millimeters from the spinal cord, precise instrument positioning in relation to the fluoroscopic image is critical. Since the surgical navigation occurs with the x-ray beam turned off, both patient and surgeon benefit from reduced radiation exposure. Also, since imaging is done during surgery, surgeons will never need to use obsolete images.

Called the 9800 FluoroTrack, the system is the result of a joint development effort between GE OEC Medical Systems (Salt Lake City, UT, USA) and Visualization Technologies, Inc. and is being marketed by GE OEC Medical Systems, an affiliate of GE Medical Systems. The system is available as an integrated product combined with a mobile C-arm or as a stand-alone workstation that interfaces with an existing mobile fluoroscope.

FluoroTrack is a real win for the surgeon in terms of ease of use, according to Dr. Maurice Ferre, president and CEO of VTI. Eliminating the optical cameras anr autoclaving, the new camera is composed of nonmetallic material that cools rapidly and can be used just minutes after sterilization. Called EnVision Autoclavable 3CCD, the camera was developed by Conmed Corp. (Utica, NY, USA), which specializes in instruments and implants for arthroscopic sports medicine and powered surgical instruments.

The EnVision Autoclavable 3CCD Camera is a direct response to our customers'
demands for improved image quality and increased efficiency when performing endoscopic surgery, said Joseph Corasanti, president and CEO of ConMed Corp.