Preclinical evaluation of a hybrid navigation system as part of a FESS – Proof of Concept

Introduction:

The aim of the research project was the development of an intelligent and markerless navigation system for the FESS to reduce known problems of conventional optical or electromagnetic systems. The development led to a hybrid system consisting of optical navigation and continuous calculation including prediction of anatomical landmarks supported by sensor information.

Methods:

With the hybrid system, two preclinical scenarios were performed as part of a FESS on NNH phantoms. The first used both continuous navigation information and context information (hybrid system). In the second, the visual axis of the tracking camera was continuously or intermittently obscured on the site, thus simulating a partial failure of the navigation system. For both scenarios, the displayed navigation and context information was assessed by the participants.

Results:

In Scenario 1, an unrestricted function of the hybrid system was found, and the information displayed within the endoscope view validated the subjects as helpful. For the complete or partial replacement of the tracking components by the hybrid system in Scenario 2, landmarks could be displayed correctly in 50% (full) and 70% (partially) cases, respectively. The display of the landmarks had an inaccuracy of about 5 mm. The individual perception of inaccuracy fluctuated between participants and test runs.

Discussion:

This new navigation approach has been successfully tested in a hybrid system and is helpful for a first pre-clinical evaluation. However, the integration of the new navigation method is currently not an improvement on conventional navigation.

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 April 2019 (online)