GVMH Offers Stryker Navigation Computer Assisted Technology for Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery

Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare announced today the purchase of a Stryker Navigation system for Ear, Nose, & Throat surgeries to help surgeons in performing more effective sinus surgeries.  It is one of the most advanced systems of its kind.

The system combines a virtual 3-D model of the patient’s sinus anatomy with an interactive display of the surgeon’s instruments enhancing the surgeon's ability to successfully perform more effective sinus surgeries.  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,” said Dr. Richard Woodland, ENT, “With computer assisted technology, we have additional tools to help improve our ability to work more precisely and resolve problems more completely, which may reduce the risk of complications.”

Computer assisted 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 creates a virtual 3-D model of the patient’s 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 communicates with LED equipped surgical instruments to help track and display the real-time movement of the surgical instruments relative to the patient.  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.

“Computer assisted technology greatly enhances the surgical services that we offer at GVMH,” said Dr. Woodland.  “It increases the surgeon’s confidence in difficult cases and potentially allows for more thorough surgery for patients.”

To learn more about who may benefit from a computer assisted procedure, call 890-8444.  For information about the Stryker Navigation System, visit www.stryker.com/navigation.