What is an optical surgical navigation system?

A surgical navigation system is a device that assists in the planning and execution of surgical procedures in operating theatres, i.e. it guides surgical instruments such as scalpels. These are instruments connected to screens by sensors using imaging methods. There are two types of navigation systems: optical and electromagnetic, offering flexibility and efficiency combined in a design that takes up little space in the operating room.

There is currently a growing demand for minimally invasive surgery, with reduced hospital stays, little pain for the patient and rapid wound healing. This has generated growth in demand for optical surgical navigation systems.

Surgical navigation systems offer optical tracking capabilities as well as integration with external devices such as microscopes and ultrasound.

Procedures in which optical surgical navigation systems can be used:

Biopsy.
Catheter placement.
Tumor resection.
Spinal decompression.
Pelvic or spinal fixation.
Treatment of spinal or sacral trauma.
Deep brain stimulation electrode positioning.

What is the function of a navigation system?

These optical surgical navigation systems 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 pre-operative instruments with precision.

In this sense, surgical navigation systems work with conventional imaging techniques such as CT scans or MRIs.