[The application of an optical navigation system in endonasal sinus surgery].
BACKGROUND
There are several CAS-systems in use in modern endonasal sinus surgery. The VectorVision Compact is the first optoelectrical system especially designed for such surgery. This paper investigates its reliability and practicability.


METHODS
The system was used for intraoperative navigation in 60 patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis. The accuracy was measured by visual estimation and compared with other navigated systems.


RESULTS
The accuracy was 1.9 mm which is comparable to other systems on the market. Navigation was successful and reliable in 83.3% of the patients. Problems occurred mainly due to loss of sight of the referencing balls and when using other surgical instruments.


CONCLUSIONS
The VectorVision Compact was adequate for endonasal sinus surgery. Further improvements incorporating various surgical instruments should broaden its clinical usefulness.
Khan
M
M
Univ.-HNO-Klinik der Johannes-Gutenberg-Universität Mainz. khan@hno.klinik.uni-mainz.de
Ecke
U
U
Mann
W J
WJ
D019723:Endoscopes; D004867:Equipment Design; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000295:instrumentation*; D010255:Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D010256:Paranasal Sinuses / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D011127:Polyps / Q000601:surgery*; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013525:Surgical Instruments