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InstaTrak®
Image
Guided Sinus Surgery
Introduction
to the InstaTrak System
Why your surgeon has chosen the InstaTrak System for your sinus surgery
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The InstaTrak System from Visualization Technology, Inc., integrates CT scans with a sophisticated guidance system. Highly accurate visual updates will guide your surgeon at every step of the procedure, without dependence on limited visual ability — and no longer restricted by the endoscope’s telescopic view. Your surgeon will be able to see the surrounding anatomy and the instruments as the procedure is being performed.
Your surgeon will explain the procedure to you. If you have any questions about the surgery or the use of the InstaTrak System during surgery, ask your surgeon.
How the InstaTrak System works
The InstaTrak System uses a computer, specialized software and electromagnetic tracking system to help your surgeon perform procedures as precisely as possible.
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The System software builds a computerized model of your skull anatomy with CT scans taken prior to your surgery. This model will act as a three-dimensional road map for your surgeon. The tracking system links the surgical instruments that will be used during the procedure to the computer. The instruments will appear on the computer display screen as a set of cross hairs which move through the computerized model of your skull. This will allow your surgeon to see the exact location of the surgical instruments in direct relation to areas of your skull anatomy that cannot be seen through the endoscope.
About the InstaTrak System for endoscopic sinus surgery
Your surgeon has chosen to use the InstaTrak System for your sinus procedure. This brochure will describe the System, and familiarize you with some of the medical terms that you may encounter in the course of your treatment.
The InstaTrak System is a three-dimensional guidance system used in minimally invasive image-guided surgery. When used to repair the sinuses, this kind of surgery is referred to as endoscopic sinus surgery, or ESS.
Minimally invasive surgery is used when the body’s interior structures can be reached with a surgical instrument through natural openings, such as the nostrils, or when access to an interior structure requires only a small incision on the body’s surface.
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In image-guided surgery, images of the anatomy, such as computed tomography scans (CT or CAT scans) are used in the operating room to guide the surgeon during a procedure.
In ESS, small, narrow instruments are placed in the nostrils and passed through the nose. The surgeon uses the endoscope to view the sinuses, and uses other surgical instruments to remove diseased sinus tissue and to open blocked breathing passages.
The endoscope acts like a miniature telescope to clearly illuminate the surgeon’s view of the sinuses. Like a telescope, the endoscope provides a detailed close-up view of the immediate surface area, but does not allow the surgeon to see around corners, or to locate surgical instruments in relation to the surrounding anatomy.
Although ESS is one of the most popular methods used today to correct sinus problems, until recently, surgeons performing ESS depended only on their skills,information provided by the Radiology Department, and what could be seen through the endoscope.
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About Visualization Technology Inc.
The InstaTrak System was designed to make ESS a safer, more effective procedure. Visualization Technology, Inc. (VTI) was established in 1993 to develop image-guided devices for medical and surgical use. The experienced, dedicated team at VTI uses the latest methods in high technology research and development to bring innovative products to this rapidly emerging medical field.
Preparing for your surgery — the Radiology Department
Before going to the operating room, you will visit the Radiology Department. While in Radiology, please follow the instructions of the staff. Their instructions are crucial to gathering important information that your surgeon will use during your procedure.
In Radiology, you will be asked to remove all metal objects that you may be wearing on your head, such as jewelry or eyeglasses. You may wish to remove these items before going to Radiology.
A technologist will place the InstaTrak System Headset on your head. You will wear the Headset while the CT scans needed for your surgery are taken. The Headset is designed to fit snugly on your head and across the bridge of your nose, and has ear pieces that rest in your ear canal.
When your scans are complete, they will be stored in the InstaTrak System computer. At the time of your surgery, the scans and the Headset will be brought to the Operating Room.
The Operating Room
You will be wearing a Headset for your CT scan and during your surgery. The
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For more information
Your surgeon will be happy to answer any questions you may have about your condition, treatment options, the surgical procedure, recovery and after care.
The information presented here has been provided by Visualization Technology, Inc., as a service to surgeons using the System and their patients. It is not intended to provide or recommend medical advice of any kind.
Claims and contraindications
The InstaTrak System was designed for use in the treatment of acute and chronic sinusitis, endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy, optic nerve and orbital decompression, polyp removal, tumor biopsy and removal, and the repair of CSF leaks, pituitary disorder, and encephalocele.
The InstaTrak System should not be used on patients who have electronic devices that connect directly to the brain or nervous system.