Computer-aided endoscopic sinus surgery

Objectives: To examine four different types of computer‐aided endoscopic sinus surgical devices—the ISG Viewing Wand, the ISG infrared OptoTrak, the IGT FlashPoint 5000, and the VTI InstaTrak—with emphasis on their accuracy and ease of use. Study Design: Prospective study utilizing laboratory experiments and intraoperative data collection. Methods: A review of the literature is presented. Patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery during the study period were enlisted under FDA protocols with IRB consent. Groups of patients had surgery performed with each of the above devices—except the FlashPoint 5000. Accuracy measurements were recorded, and user and operating staff comments about ease of use were collected. The FlashPoint 5000 was used exclusively in the laboratory setting, where accuracy measurements were obtained on a cadaver skull. Results: The systems all demonstrated accuracy to within 2.00 mm. Ease of use was somewhat variable, but following a learning curve by the surgeon and operating department personnel, all of the units were considered to be relatively user friendly. Conclusions: Computer‐aided endoscopic sinus surgery appears to be the wave of the future. Nevertheless, the modern endoscopic sinus surgeon must have thorough training in the basic anatomy of the paranasal sinuses as well as the various surgical techniques.