Pioneering new augmented-reality surgical navigation technology for precision surgery

Surgical navigation systems are not new – they have been used for the past 20 years. Traditionally, X-rays of a patient are taken before the operation. These scans are then used to plan and guide the operation. With the new navigation technology, the care team gets real-time imaging and real-time navigation support during the operation, both in one system. A flat detector with four integrated hi-resolution cameras captures external images of the patient on the operating table. These images are automatically combined with internal images of the bony anatomy captured by an X-ray system, generating 3D views with augmented reality to help guide the surgical procedure.

“This allows us to plan our procedures virtually,” Dr. Elmi Terander says. “We can now insert implants with high precision to improve patient safety.”

Indicating some of the benefits of the technology, a clinical study that was recently published in the journal Spine [1] has shown that the technology enables a high (94.1%) overall level of screw placement accuracy whilst virtually eliminating radiation exposure for the surgeon.

While working on this innovation project, Dr. Elmi Terander has seen specialists from different disciplines within Karolinska come together. “Over the last year, we have had a very fruitful collaboration with our colleagues in orthopedics, performing surgery together,” he says. 

“Neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons bring different strengths to the operating room: neurosurgeons excel in high-precision work, whereas orthopedics are highly visual 3D thinkers. With this new surgical navigation technology, we can combine these strengths to achieve better outcomes for patients. I am also very happy about the way we work together with our neuroradiologists. I think this project is a prime example of what Karolinksa is trying to achieve with its new operating model: breaking down internal boundaries to deliver the best possible care.”