Chairman Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India
Introduction: From dawn of neurosurgery till date engineering insights have always been an aid in helping neurosurgeons localize lesions. A new page to this aid is the markerless, pinless, real-time navigation for the localization of lesions even at the bedside.
Methods: Neurosurgery department at KIMS Hospitals, Secunderabad - has engaged with ‘Marker-less Augmented Reality Technology’ - SKIA, a Korean-based firm to critically analyse its applications and evaluate the device’s capabilities as a tool in neurosurgical routine.Marker-less augmented reality navigation is applied for 50 patients of different age groups. The technology - comes with a device, like a tabloid. Data from a contrast CT Brain is used to generate a 3D model (SKIA ‘digital twin’) which along with CT data is loaded to navigation (SKIA) device. AI helps integrate the 3D model – CT data – and real time camera data at bedside by scanning the patient’s head with millions of harmless lasers. This process helps superimpose data and analyse the tumour at bedside in 360 degrees along with marked vital structures.
Results: The 50 patients, including 22 male and 28 female patients of all ages were operated using SKIA navigation technology. Case-specific structures are marked on the ‘digital twin’ ready to be superimposed. First 4 cases are compared with the Medtronic Navigation to check for accuracy. SKIA navigation tool is applied to following cases – Meningiomas, colloid cysts, STA-MCA bypass, and Posterior Fossa lesions. Its accuracy in localizing intra-operatively is rechecked with ultrasound.
Conclusion : With the changing trends need for an advanced and simpler Navigation tool is always convivial. Advantages include: 1.Reducing the OT time and under-anesthesia time – compared to conventional Medtronic Navigation. 2.Scanning at the bedside/wards - without pins. 3.Improved patient and surgeon relationship with a better understanding of the disease and surgery. 4.Ease of access helps usage even by less experienced hands.
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