An augmented reality (AR) technology was used to perform minimally invasive sinus surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) by sinus surgeons affiliated with Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center (TMC).
In a March 2 case at Memorial Hermann-TMC, Dr. Martin Citardi used AR technology to perform revision image-guided functional endoscopic sinus surgery for recurrent chronic rhinosinusitis, according to the institution. The patient also had a fibro-osseous lesion blocking drainage from the left frontal sinus.
"By using this technology, we were able to plan a pathway to drain that blocked frontal sinus and avoid the need for a more extensive procedure," Citardi said in a statement.
UTHealth sinus surgeons affiliated with Memorial Hermann-TMC have used augmented reality technology to perform minimally invasive sinus surgery. Image courtesy of Dr. Martin Citardi of UTHealth.The surgeons used Scopis TGS target-guided surgery technology, which allows for surgical planning from preoperative imaging studies. This planning is overlaid onto the surgeon's endoscopic view of the surgical area, assisting the surgeon in following the defined pathway and avoiding critical structures, according to Memorial Hermann-TMC.
AR has the potential to improve many types of sinus procedures, including those performed for chronic rhinosinusitis, sinonasal polyps, and even tumors, according to Citardi. The system's ability to record both surgical planning and the surgery will also be useful for training surgeons in endoscopic sinus surgery, he said.
