Infrared Optics, 3-D Modeling and Interactive Displays help guide surgeons through safer and more effective sinus surgeries
Southern Maryland Hospital Center (SMHC)- Clinton, MD is pleased to announce that it has installed the latest image-guided technology that promises to make many sinus surgeries safer and more effective. It is the most advanced system of its kind in the Southern Maryland area.
The system combines a virtual 3-D model of the patient’s sinus anatomy with an interactive display of the surgeon’s instruments. These work in tandem to help surgeons navigate their instruments through complex sinus passages without damaging healthy surrounding tissue. “We are very excited to have this new technology,” states Dr. Arnaldo Garro, M. D. “With it, we improve our ability to work more precisely and resolve problems more completely, which further reduces the risk of complications.”
Image-guided sinus surgery begins with the patient undergoing a series of CT scans or MRIs that reveal the soft tissue and bony structures of the sinuses and surrounding anatomy. A computer then builds a virtual 3-D model of the anatomy. During surgery, a computer monitor displays the 3-D model and a live endoscopic view of the patient’s sinus anatomy. An infrared camera and sensors help track and display the real-time movement of surgical instruments within the 3-D model, while the computer mathematically compensates for any patient movement. Thus, the surgeon can pinpoint the location of the surgical instruments and patient’s anatomy at all times.
“Image-guided technology greatly enhances the surgical services that we offer here at Southern Maryland Hospital Center,” states Dr. Garro. “It increases the surgeon’s confidence in difficult cases and makes for a safer, more thorough surgery for patients.”
The new image-guided technology will be used often at SMHC. Many of these are surgeries to correct repeated infections (sinusitis), breathing problems resulting from facial trauma, obstructions, and congenital abnormalities or polyps.
Founded in 1977, Southern Maryland Hospital Center is a 358-bed full service hospital serving the Southern Maryland areas. Additionally, SMHC operates a state-of-the-art twenty-four bed subacute unit. Throughout SMHC’s history, it has remained a community leader, a strong supporter of health care education, and a dedicated advocate for quality health care services.
-###-
|
