A surgical navigator is a sophisticated piece of medical equipment used in the planning and precise execution of surgical procedures in operating theatres, i.e. acting as a guide for other surgical instruments such as the scalpel. Its structure consists of a series of instruments that are linked to screens by sensors using imaging methods.

These medical devices offer optical tracking capabilities as well as integration with external devices such as microscopes and ultrasound. This equipment enables the corresponding calculations to be carried out using specific software and based on sensors that are located on the patient during the operation. Its role is to help the surgeon make decisions on the orientation of cuts to be made, the positioning of implants or the manipulation of ligaments and surrounding tissues.

Surgical navigator applications

Surgical navigators do not replace the human element, which remains the main factor when treating a patient, but they can become a very useful tool if managed by expert hands. Among the procedures where optical surgical navigation systems can be used:

• Biopsy.
• Catheter placement.
• Tumor resection.
• Spinal decompression.
• Pelvic or spinal fixation.
• Treatment of spinal or sacral trauma.
• Positioning the deep brain stimulation electrode.

Planning a surgical procedure with the help of a CT image is essential for the precise execution of any surgical procedure, as it enables the specialist to be sure of any unforeseen circumstances that may arise during the operation, generating a faster, less painful response for the patient, while saving moments of tension and time in the operating theatre.

Surgical navigator technologies

A surgical navigator is a GPS device that enables the surgeon to check, with millimetric precision, where he or she is during surgery, and the exact position on which he or she needs to act. The operation of this equipment is based on the principle of stereoscopic vision, with high precision and low cost. Surgical navigation systems currently include systems with polar technology, micron navigation and others.

Surgical navigators are designed to help pinpoint anatomical structures in open or percutaneous procedures. Today, they are considered an integral part of computer-assisted surgery. In other words, they provide surgical procedures based on digital imaging technology, and give surgeons the ability to plan and manipulate instruments preoperatively with precision. Surgical navigation systems work with conventional imaging techniques such as CT or MRI.

What do we offer you at Kalstein?

Kalstein is a MANUFACTURER of medical and laboratory equipment of the highest quality and best technology at the best prices on the market, so you can make your purchase with confidence with us, knowing that you have the service and advice of a company specialized in the sector and committed to innovation. On this occasion, we’d like to introduce you to the new YR02143 computer-assisted electromagnetic surgical navigator, whose main features are:

• It is widely used for surgical visualization, planning and navigation to help minimize iatrogenic trauma to surrounding brain tissue and reduce the risk of surgical complications in cranial procedures (such as cranial neurology and ENT surgery).
• The advanced optical tracking system follows the real-time 3D position and orientation of active or passive markers linked to surgical tools, for exceptional precision (1.0 mm spatial resolution) and reliability.
• The method of simulation and 3D modeling of anatomical structures in the material (such as skin, skull, brain tissue or the target lesion) can be easily defined for surgical convenience.
• With the integrated navigation probe and advanced optical measurement technology, the surgeon can easily quantify the size and position of lesions, then scientifically design the surgical approach.
• The system provides operators with four navigation modes for complete monitoring of the navigation process.
• Intelligent software will help calibrate and compensate for unexpected changes in anatomical structure and cerebral change induced by the removal of the intracranial lesion zone.
• The YR02143 navigation system can be operated with a surgeon’s mouse or a touch-sensitive monitor mounted on the mobile cart or on the roof suspension arm.
• The system automatically saves all patient image data and registration information to enable the surgeon to quickly load and continue surgical navigation against unexpected power cuts.
• It can be used for all neurological and ENT surgeries, particularly in deep intracranial lesions, low-volume intracranial lesions, minimally invasive edge intracranial lesions and minimally invasive surgeries.

For more information, we invite you to take a look: HERE