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Published on: July 5, 2021
Pilot Study of Optical Topographic Imaging Based Neuronavigation for Mastoidectomy
Nirmeen Zagzoog1, Siavash Rastgarjazi2, Joel Ramjist3
1Institute of Medical Science, School of Graduate Studies, Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Brain Sciences Program/Imaging Research, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Bioengineering and Biophotonics Laboratory, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Optical topographic imaging (OTI) shows accuracy in skull base surgery. This novel navigation technique may improve adoption of surgical navigation for mastoidectomy procedures.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Surgical Navigation
- Skull Base Surgery
Background:
- Mastoidectomy requires precise drilling of the temporal bone, avoiding critical neurovascular structures.
- Optical topographic imaging (OTI) is a novel technique for rapid surgical registration with minimal error.
- No prior studies have evaluated OTI in skull base procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy and feasibility of OTI-assisted navigation in cadaveric mastoidectomies.
- To compare OTI-assisted mastoidectomy with free-hand techniques.
Main Methods:
- Eight cadaveric mastoidectomies were performed: 4 free-hand (FH) and 4 OTI-assisted.
- Registration accuracy was measured using root mean square (RMS) and target registration error (TRE).
- Procedural time, resection volume, and proximity to critical structures were assessed.
Main Results:
- OTI navigation demonstrated an average RMS of 1.44 mm (±0.83 mm) and TRE of 2.17 mm (±0.89 mm).
- No significant differences were found in resection volume, procedural time, or proximity to critical structures between FH and OTI groups.
- The OTI system proved sufficiently accurate for lateral skull base procedures.
Conclusions:
- This is the first study to apply OTI neuronavigation in lateral skull base surgery.
- OTI-based navigation is accurate for lateral skull base procedures.
- OTI may overcome barriers to the adoption of surgical navigation in these complex procedures.

