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Comparison of different 3D navigation systems by a clinical "user"
M Cartellieri1, J Kremser, F Vorbeck
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Vienna, General Hospital, Austria.
Summary
This study compared five 3D navigation systems used in surgery. System precision varied, with the angle of the pointing device and slice thickness being critical factors affecting accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Medical technology
- Surgical navigation
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Three-dimensional (3D) navigation systems are essential tools in various surgical fields, including skull base surgery, neurosurgery, maxillo-facial, and endoscopic sinus surgery.
- The precision of these systems can fluctuate during surgical procedures, necessitating an evaluation of their reliability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the precision of five different 3D navigation systems.
- To identify factors limiting the accuracy and precision of these surgical navigation technologies.
Main Methods:
- A plexiglass cube with marked test points was used as a standardized model.
- Two experienced users measured distances between test points across five 3D navigation systems.
- Results were validated against reference data from the NUMEREX device.
Main Results:
- The accuracy of the tested 3D navigation systems ranged from 0.0 mm to 6.67 mm.
- System precision on screen did not consistently match pre-calculated accuracy data.
- Precision was higher in the center of the test model compared to its surface.
Conclusions:
- The angle between the tracker system and the pointing device is a critical factor influencing system precision.
- Automatic registration did not enhance system precision.
- Slice thickness and the angle of the pointing device are key determinants of 3D navigation system precision in surgical applications.