[Navigation-assisted sonography for soft tissues in the head and neck region].
BACKGROUND
In soft tissue surgery of the head and neck region tissue shifts limit the usefulness of conventional CT/MRI-based navigation procedures. Furthermore, changes caused by invasive measures cannot be visualized.


METHODS
A novel navigation device for sonography of soft tissues was developed. This consists of a navigated ultrasound scanner, a navigated surgical instrument, and a personal computer with custom-made software. Its use makes an additional visualization by means of CT or MRI dispensable.


RESULTS
The system deviation (three-dimensional error) of this newly developed prototype was less than 1 mm. The practical application in a model setup showed good handling properties of the system. Orientation and approach of the surgical instrument to the sonographically visualized target structure were rapid and accurate.


CONCLUSIONS
This new navigation system does not require additional CT or MRI images. The navigated ultrasound probe shows tissue changes in real time. This navigation system is especially suitable for invasive procedures in soft tissues.
Helbig
M
M
Zentrum für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt am Main, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main. Matthias.Helbig@kgu.de
Krysztoforski
K
K
Kucharski
J
J
Popek
M
M
Kroll
T
T
Helbig
S
S
May
A
A
Gstoettner
W
W
Kozak
J
J
D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006257:Head / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D009333:Neck / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000295:instrumentation*
Navigationsunterstützte Weichteilsonographie für den Kopf-Hals-Bereich.