Image-Guided Fluroscopic Surgery

What is Image-Guided Technology for Fluoro Surgery?

Fluoroscopy is a technique used for obtaining "live" X-ray images of a patient during surgery and viewing them on a monitor.
Image-Guided fluoroscopy is a technique that uses computer technology to combine these X-ray images with real-time information about the exact position of surgical instruments using infrared signals.
It helps surgeons navigate their surgical instruments around the patient's anatomy more accurately and minimizes radiation exposure to both the patient and medical staff.
It is used in spinal surgery for patients who require placement of various spinal implants as well as in trauma surgery where patients have broken femurs, tibias or other bones.
Image-Guidance is a rapidly expanding area of medical technology for both neuro and orthopedic surgery.

How does Navigation Work?

A standard fluoroscopy unit referred to as a C-arm because of its distinctive shape, is fitted with a tracking device that contains multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs). LEDs are also embedded into surgical instruments such as drills and screwdrivers.
As needed during surgery, the surgeon takes fluoroscopic images of a patient's spine or bones. These fluoroscopic images are loaded directly into the Navigation unit and viewed in real time on the computer monitor.
Meanwhile, infrared sensors communicate with the LEDs on the instruments and the fluoroscope and continuously feed their location coordinates to a computer.
The computer merges the images of the patient and instruments allowing the surgeon to view a
simulated, or virtual, display of the instruments overlaid on images of the patient's anatomy in real time.

What are the Potential Benefits of Navigation?

Patients do not need to visit the hospital radiology department for pre-operative CT scans or X-rays. Valuable time can be saved, especially in trauma procedures, by going straight to the operating room.
The use of Image-Guided surgery can dramatically reduces the radiation exposure to the patient and surgical team by eliminating the need for repetitive fluoroscopic imaging for tool placement.
The surgeon can view surgical instruments in relation to critical anatomy, such as nerves and arteries. The ability to work precisely helps reduce the risk of surgery and may save time in the operating room.
During spine surgeries, surgeons have the opportunity to achieve more accurate pedicle (spine) screw placements, which may lead to fewer complications and decreased recovery times.

Who has the Potential to Benefit from Navigation?

Fluoroscopy is currently used extensively in orthopedic and trauma surgery. It is often used when screws and other implants are needed to help repair fractured long bones. It is of particular benefit to spinal surgery patients who require insertion of screws.1
Surgical patients and operating room staff may benefit from the use of Image-guided technology because of reduced radiation exposure due to fewer fluoroscopic shots needed.

How can an individual learn more about the Stryker Navigation System?

Individuals who would like to learn more about the Stryker Navigation System or other Stryker products, can go online to www.stryker.com/navigation.