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New York Eye and Ear Infirmary Uses "Real Time" 3-D Computer Images for Sinus Operations (2001)
-- An investigational imaging device, which displays on a computer monitor 3-D images of a patient's sinus cavity and the location of surgical instruments in "real time," is now helping to guide surgeons during endoscopic sinus operations at The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. What is unique is the "real-time" imagery, according to
Steven D. Schaefer, M.D., professor and chair of Otolaryngology at The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. As he removes troublesome tissue from patients who have serious sinusitis, potentially dangerous polyps and sinus cancers, the imaging device visualizes, locates and helps him navigate. It displays the position of the tiny surgical instruments relative to the anatomy of the sinus. "We are operating in an area bounded by the brain and eyes, so there is not a lot of room for error," said Dr. Schaefer. "The new investigational device appears to be an excellent tool to improve patient safety because it can give the surgeon information unavailable from standard endoscopic images. It is only a tool, however, and does not replace good surgical judgment." Sinusitis is extremely common. Patients frequently complain of nasal tension and throbbing aches and pains. Antibiotics are generally used to combat the infection, and decongestant drops and sprays help to restore drainage. Persistent, more serious cases of sinusitis, however, require surgery.
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How the Imaging System Works
In the operating room, the 3-D image helps the surgeon visualize the location of microsurgical instruments, such as an aspirator and scalpel during surgery. How? The microsurgical instruments have tiny transmitters that relay their location to a receiver on the patient's headset. The receiver feeds the information to the computer, localizing the precise movement of the surgical instruments in 3-D space.
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