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What is StealthStation Neuronavigation?

The StealthStation Neuronavigation system is a medical technology used in neurosurgery for image-guided navigation. It is produced by Medtronic, a global medical technology company. Neuronavigation systems like the StealthStation are designed to enhance the precision and accuracy of neurosurgical procedures by providing real-time imaging and navigation guidance.

Key features and components of the StealthStation Neuronavigation system may include:

  • 3D Imaging: The system typically integrates with various imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and sometimes positron emission tomography (PET). These images are used to create a detailed 3D map of the patient's anatomy.
  • Surgical Planning: Surgeons can use the system for preoperative planning, allowing them to visualize and plan the surgical approach based on the patient's unique anatomy.
  • Navigation Tools: During surgery, the system provides real-time feedback to the surgeon, displaying the current position of surgical instruments in relation to the preoperative imaging. This information helps the surgeon navigate through complex anatomical structures with increased precision.
  • Tracking Devices: Instruments used in surgery are often equipped with tracking devices that allow the system to continuously monitor their position and orientation in the surgical field.
  • Automatic Registration: The system often includes automatic registration capabilities, which help align the preoperative images with the patient's actual anatomy, ensuring accurate navigation guidance.
  • Touch Screen Interface: The StealthStation typically features an intuitive touch screen interface that allows surgeons to interact with the system easily during the surgery.
  • Compatibility: The system is designed to be compatible with various surgical instruments and tools commonly used in neurosurgery.

Indications for StealthStation Neuronavigation

StealthStation Neuronavigation can be used for a variety of neurosurgical procedures such as:

  • Tumor resection
  • Epilepsy surgery
  • Biopsy
  • Spine decompression or fusion
  • Treatment for spinal or sacral trauma
  • Spinal or pelvic fixation
  • And other neurosurgical procedures where precise navigation is crucial to avoid damage to critical structures

Preparation for StealthStation Neuronavigation

Preparation for neurosurgery using the StealthStation Neuronavigation system involves several key steps to ensure a smooth and successful procedure. These include:

  • Preoperative imaging, such as CT or MRI scans, to create a detailed 3D map of the patient's anatomy
  • Surgical planning, which involves analyzing the 3D images, identifying critical structures, and planning the optimal surgical approach
  • Calibrating the surgical instruments and tools that will be used during the procedure
  • Conducting a thorough system check to ensure that all components of the StealthStation Neuronavigation system are functioning properly
  • Informing your doctor of any medications or supplements you are taking
  • If you are on certain medications, such as blood thinners, you may be asked to temporarily stop them as it may affect blood clotting
  • Informing your doctor of any allergies to medications, anaesthesia, or latex
  • Refraining from solids or liquids at least 8 hours prior to surgery
  • Signing an informed consent form after the pros and cons of the surgery has been explained

Procedure for StealthStation Neuronavigation

In general, neurosurgical procedures using the StealthStation Neuronavigation system involve the following steps:

  • Administer anesthesia and place the patient on the operating table in a way that allows optimal access to the surgical site and ensures compatibility with the StealthStation neuronavigation system.
  • Set up the tracking system and ensure that it covers the surgical field.
  • Acquire intraoperative imaging (such as fluoroscopy) if needed for real-time updates during the surgery.
  • Integrate intraoperative imaging data with the preoperative 3D images on the StealthStation for continuous guidance.
  • Your surgeon downloads images onto the computer and then builds a three-dimensional model that correlates to the patient's anatomy.
  • Begin the surgery and use the StealthStation system to navigate through the patient's anatomy.
  • Visualize the surgical targets, critical structures, and instrument trajectories in real-time on the StealthStation display.
  • Perform the planned surgical intervention, such as tumor resection, biopsy, or other neurosurgical procedures, guided by the StealthStation system.
  • Throughout the surgery, real-time information is displayed. This can increase accuracy, e.g., help the surgeon gauge the proximity of the instruments to arteries, the spinal cord, etc.

Postoperative Care and Recovery

After the surgery, you will be transferred to the recovery area where your nurse will closely monitor your vital signs as you recover from the effects of anesthesia. The length of hospital stay varies from 2 to 3 days to a week or more depending on the surgery and any complications. You may experience pain and discomfort in the operated area. Medications are prescribed as needed to manage these, along with antibiotics to address the risk of surgery-related infection. Instructions on surgical site care and bathing will be provided to keep the wound clean and dry. Early mobilization and rehabilitation may be initiated as soon as your condition allows. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy may be components of the rehabilitation plan. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to monitor your progress.

Risks and Complications

As with any neurosurgical procedure, some risks and complications may occur, such as:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Swelling and edema
  • Functional impairments
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage
  • Seizures
  • Adverse reactions to anesthesia/medications used
  • Hematoma (a collection of blood outside blood vessels) formation within the brain or at the surgical site
  • Blood clot formation, which can lead to complications such as stroke or embolism

Benefits of StealthStation Neuronavigation

Some of the benefits of StealthStation neuronavigation in neurosurgery include:

  • Enhanced precision
  • Improved surgical planning
  • Reduced trauma to healthy tissue
  • Accurate targeting
  • Real-time feedback
  • Increased safety
  • Facilitation of minimally invasive techniques
  • Improved outcomes
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