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C Trantakis

Publications and source records attributed to C Trantakis.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Manipulator assisted endoscope guidance in functional endoscopic sinus surgery: proof of concept].

BACKGROUND: Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is characterized by single-handed preparation and guidance of the endoscope by the nondominant hand. This results in an additional extension of operation time by up to 15% and ergonomic deficits. The aim of this study is the conception of an automated assistance system for FESS in view of the following questions: (1) Which degree of surgical automation is suitable for FESS? (2) Which design is suitable? (3) What are the properties of the technical system (planning, time, accuracy, precision) of the selected system? (4) Does the system offer potential for a clinical application? METHODS: In all 49 FESS were analyzed for surgical workflows. Measurement of the maximum forces within FESS was performed with 40 trials on an anatomical model. Three different mechanical systems were used in ten FESS and evaluated using the ICCAS Human-Machine Evaluation Scale. For realization of automated endoscope guidance an engine-driven and -braked manipulator (PA10-6c, Mitsubishi, Japan) was used. The technical parameters determined were expenditure of time for the preoperative planning of workspace, surgical accuracy and precision of the intraoperative endoscope positioning, maximal forces, and time. RESULTS: Concept-conditioned instrument changes amount to an average of 41.1 and 18.9% (5.21 min) time requirement for each FESS side. Maximum forces on the mucous membrane during a conventional FESS were measured at 9.8 N (5.9-9.8). Usability of the mechanical endoscope holder was estimated in 18 of 20 cases to be inferior to the standard procedure. The time needed for segmenting the intranasal workspace was 15.2 min (10.0-23.0). The maximum deviation of the automatically driven endoscope from a planned position amounted to 0.85 mm (manually 4.64 mm). The maximum force was measured with 1.1 N in the z direction (manually 9.8 N). Automated guidance of the endoscope to an intranasal position needed 7.25 s (6.4-7.9); manually 12.64 s (5.9-43.0). CONCLUSION: Guidance of the endoscope for FESS by an automated motor-driven system is possible. The conception which is based on workflow analysis favors a system with automatic definition of the workspace and a manual movement of the endoscope. The examined system offers a potential for clinical application. Definition of the automation level and development of a man-machine interface is more important than selection or reconstruction of a special manipulator for endoscope guidance in FESS from a surgical point of view.

Endoscopes↗

[Accuracy and precision in the evaluation of computer assisted surgical systems. A definition].

Accuracy represents the outstanding criterion for navigation systems. Surgeons have noticed a great discrepancy between the values from the literature and system specifications on one hand, and intraoperative accuracy on the other. A unitary understanding for the term accuracy does not exist in clinical practice. Furthermore, an incorrect equality for the terms precision and accuracy can be found in the literature. On top of this, clinical accuracy differs from mechanical (technical) accuracy. From a clinical point of view, we had to deal with remarkably many different terms all describing accuracy. This study has the goals of: 1. Defining "accuracy" and related terms, 2. Differentiating between "precision" and "accuracy", 3. Deriving the term "surgical accuracy", 4. Recommending use of the the term "surgical accuracy" for a navigation system. To a great extent, definitions were applied from the International Standardisation Organisation-ISO and the norm from the Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V.-DIN (the German Institute for Standardization). For defining surgical accuracy, the terms reference value, expectation, accuracy and precision are of major interest. Surgical accuracy should indicate the maximum values for the deviation between test results and the reference value (true value) A(max), and additionally indicate precision P(surg). As a basis for measurements, a standardized technical model was used. Coordinates of the model were acquired by CT. To determine statistically and reality relevant results for head surgery, 50 measurements with an accuracy of 50, 75, 100 and 150 mm from the centre of the registration geometry are adequate. In the future, we recommend labeling the system's overall performance with the following specifications: maximum accuracy deviation A(max), precision P and information on the measurement method. This could be displayed on a seal of quality.

Equipment Failure Analysis↗

[Workflow analysis to assess the efficiency of intraoperative technology using the example of functional endoscopic sinus surgery].

Evaluation of the efficiency of surgical technology systems has to date been largely subjective. The aim of this study was to develop an ontology for surgical procedures usable workflow structures, and the evaluation of surgical workflow analysis using the example of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). A total of 38 procedures (20 patients) were included. Surgery was carried out by seven different surgeons with different degrees of training. Description of the surgical procedures and resources is based on the standard EN1828/2001 (Structure for Classification and Coding Systems for Surgical Procedures). In addition the requirements of the Workflow Reference Models (document no. Tc00-1003), Workflow Management Coalition (WfMC) were integrated. The workflow recorded the position, frequency of change of position, use time, cleaning time and concept based instrument changes. A total of 293 items were used to define FESS. A total of 1,029 different endoscopic positions were documented. These could be combined into five major endoscopic positions. The frequency of position changes was 27.1 per side, the period spent in an endoscopic position is about 1.31 min. Time for the concept-caused instrument changing was 6.44 min per side. This study demonstrates the need for assistance in guiding the endoscope in FESS. Using the workflow-data, the concept of an assistant system is possible. We offer a basis for discussion of the development of an ontology, recording and analysing surgical workflows and their practical application.

Biotechnology↗

[Clinical efficiency and the influence of human factors on ear, nose, and throat navigation systems].

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the Navibase navigation system for ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgery. A new methodology for evaluating surgical and human factors is developed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The evaluation is based on 102 ENT surgical applications, including 89 cases of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). The evaluation of surgical and human factors was performed by seven ENT surgeons. To evaluate surgical performance, level of quality (LOQ) in the 89 cases of FESS was determined, comparing the surgeon's own impressions with those of the navigation system on a scale from 0 to 100 and further comparing them with clinical results. Intraoperative changes in surgical strategy were documented. The human factors of total confidence (trust), situation awareness, skill set requirement and workload shift were recorded as level of reliance (LOR). RESULTS: The maximum deviation amounted to 1.93 mm. Averaging the quality of information resulted in an LOQ of 63.59. Every second application of the navigation system (47.9%) led to a change in surgical strategy. Total confidence showed a positive evaluation of 3.35 points in LOR. CONCLUSION: Application-relevant information relevant to the application beyond only technical details permits comparison with other assisting systems.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

Application of intraoperative 3D ultrasound during navigated tumor resection.

Intraoperative 3D ultrasound (3D-iUS) may enhance the quality of neuronavigation by adding information about brain shift and tumor remnants. The aim of our study was to prove the concept of 3D ultrasound on the basis of technical and human effects. A 3D-ultrasound navigation system consisting of a standard personal computer containing a video grabber card in combination with an optical tracking system (NDI Polaris) and a standard ultrasound device (Siemens Omnia) with a 7.5 MHz probe was used. 3D-iUS datasets were acquired after craniotomy, at different subsequent times of the procedure and overlaid with preoperative MRI. All patients underwent early postoperative 3D MRI including contrast agent within 24 hours after surgery. Acquisition of 3D iUS and the fusion with preoperative MRI was successful in 22/23 patients. The expenditure of time was at least 5 minutes for one intraoperative 3D US dataset. The technique was used three to seven times during surgery. The quality of the ultrasound images was superior in cases of metastasis, meningeoma and angioma over those in malignant glioma. Brain shifting ranged from 2-25 mm depending on localization and kind of tumor. A resection control was possible in 78%. All six neurosurgeons demonstrated a learning curve. The introduction of 3D ultrasound has increased the value of neuronavigation substantially, making it possible to update several times during surgery and minimize the problem of brain shift. Configuration of both the 3D iUS based on a standard ultrasound system and the MR navigation system is time- and especially cost-effective. Faster navigational datasets and more intuitive image-guided surgery enable novel and user-friendly display techniques.

Adult↗

[Mechatronic in functional endoscopic sinus surgery. First experiences with the daVinci Telemanipulatory System].

BACKGROUND: This study examines the advantages and disadvantages of a commercial telemanipulator system (daVinci, Intuitive Surgical, USA) with computer-guided instruments in functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). METHODS: We performed five different surgical FESS steps on 14 anatomical preparation and compared them with conventional FESS. A total of 140 procedures were examined taking into account the following parameters: degrees of freedom (DOF), duration , learning curve, force feedback, human-machine-interface. RESULTS: Telemanipulatory instruments have more DOF available then conventional instrumentation in FESS. The average time consumed by configuration of the telemanipulator is around 9+/-2 min. Missing force feedback is evaluated mainly as a disadvantage of the telemanipulator. Scaling was evaluated as helpful. The ergonomic concept seems to be better than the conventional solution. DISCUSSION: Computer guided instruments showed better results for the available DOF of the instruments. The human-machine-interface is more adaptable and variable then in conventional instrumentation. Motion scaling and indexing are characteristics of the telemanipulator concept which are helpful for FESS in our study.

Clinical Competence↗

Effect of 3T MRI on the function of shunt valves--evaluation of Paedi GAV, Dual Switch and proGAV.

The MR-compatibility of medical implants and devices becomes more and more important with the increasing number of high-field MR-scanners employed. Until the end of 2004, about twenty 3T MR in Germany will be in clinical practice. Patients with hydrocephalus need frequent follow-up MR-examinations to assure correct functioning of a shunt. We tested three types of gravitational valves: the Paedi GAV, the Dual Switch and as a new programmable valve the proGAV (Miethke Company, Berlin), that have not been evaluated at 3T, yet. In sum, there is strong evidence for maintenance of function of these valves after exposure to 3T. This also implies the programmable valve, as long as the brake mechanism is properly adjusted during MR-examination.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts↗

[Virtual training in head- and neurosurgery].

BACKGROUND: Surgical skill requires training at close-to-reality scenarios. Conventional procedures (practical exercises, anatomical or animal cadavers) are increasingly in conflict with objective parameters (costs of OR, quality management, cadavers availability and cost). Surgical procedures can be covered by using Virtual Surgical Reality (VSR). METHODS: We examined the principle of a VSR system and evaluated the results with 30 probands by the example of modified radical mastoidectomy and ventriculocisternostomy. Probands were divided in experienced (A) and non-experienced surgeons (B). The protocol included time of surgery, collisions and fatal injuries at altogether 15 passages (10 passages - break of 14 days - 5 passages). Additionally the Medical Level of Trust (LOT) describes the confidence into the surgical scenario and thus the quality by volume illustration, texture and haptic data feedback to the user. We used a numeric scale between 0 and 100 and the starting point of 50. RESULTS: The learning effect can be confirmed for both virtual scenarios. The mastoid scenario reaches a total confidence index LOT of 75. The ventricle scenario is evaluated with a total confidence index of 84. The necessary time for the opening of the antrum is reduced from 15.0 minutes (group A) and 22.5 minutes (group B) around 37 % to 9, 5 (group A) and around 56 % to 10.0 minutes (group B). The virtual haptic result was evaluated positive in both scenarios. CONCLUSIONS: VSR systems have the potential to revolutionize surgical training. All surgical experienced probands evaluated the VSR-scenario as near-to-reality. "Suspension of Disbelief" is the major condition for effective virtual reality training systems.

Clinical Competence↗

[Navigated control: a new concept in computer assisted ENT-surgery].

This work conceived and evaluates a mechatronical system for ORL-surgery by example of a Shaver for Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery controlled by navigation. The Shaver is automatically on/off-regulated depending on the current position in relation to the planned working space. This working space is defined on the basis of the individual CT data. Within this area the Shaver reacts to the signal of the surgeon (foot pedal). If the Shaver leaves the working space, an interruption of the drive regulation to the Shaver takes place. The evaluation of the planning software based on 32 patient CT-data sets. The registration accuracy in a anatomical model was examined on 451 measurements of endonasal attached titanium screws. The conversions of the working space were evaluated at 5 different technical models. The average time for segmenting the working space was found at 4.23 minutes per case. An average registration accuracy of the Shaver of 1.08 mm resulted. The pre-defined cavity was to be cleared away without restrictions. The preoperative determined work-space was converted by 3.1 mm over all levels. The study proves the feasibility of a mechatronical assistant system by the example of the navigate-controlled Shaver in paranasal sinus surgery. Contrary to conventional CAS solutions redundancy and cognitive discharge of the surgeon are considered in this conception. We see numerous applications according to the explained principle for power-control of instruments in ORL-surgery in the future such as drilling, high frequency surgery or laser.

Feasibility Studies↗

Cavernous malformations--navigational supported surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Navigational supported surgery of intracranial lesions is expected to be associated with a lower rate of brain traumatization as well as an avoidance of additional neurological deficits and surgical morbidity. In our study we used the computer-assisted image guidance for resection of cerebral cavernous malformations. METHODS: In all patients the planning procedure for the following image-guided surgery was realized using preoperative MRl data sets and a neuronavigation system (STP 4.0, SNN). In cases in which the cavernoma was situated near functional eloquent regions, functional MR images were fused preoperatively. RESULTS: During the last 24 months, 21 patients were surgically treated for cerebral cavernoma. No patient was operated twice. The mean size of cavernoma was 18.3 mm, ranging from 5 to 60 mm, the mean distance between cortical surface and cavernoma was 26 mm, ranging from 5 to 50 mm. The surgical procedure lasted in the median 180 min. All patients showed an identical or better neurological outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Neuronavigation allows an accurate definition of the intraoperative target, a correct approach and a safe surgery. With the help of neuronavigation the surgical approach and the extirpation of cavernous malformations were realized in a comfortable and safe way and allowed a minimization of tissue manipulation.

Adolescent↗

[First clinical experience with extended planning and navigation in an interventional MRI unit].

PURPOSE: To present an advanced concept for patient-based navigation and to report on our first clinical experience with interventions in the cranium, of soft-tissue structures (breast, liver) and in the musculoskeletal system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A PC-based navigation system was integrated into an existing interventional MRI environment. Intraoperatively acquired 3D data were used for interventional planning. The information content of these reference data was increased by integration of additional image modalities (e. g., fMRI, CT) and by color display of areas with early contrast media enhancement. Within 18 months, the system was used in 123 patients undergoing interventions in different anatomic regions (brain: 64, paranasal sinus: 9, breast: 20, liver: 17, bone: 9, muscle: 4). The mean duration of 64 brain interventions was compared with that of 36 procedures using the scanner's standard navigation. RESULTS: In contrast with the continuous scanning mode of the MR system (0.25 fps), the higher quality as well as the real time display (4 fps) of the MR images reconstructed from the 3D reference data allowed adequate hand-eye coordination. With our system, patient movement and tissue shifts could be immediately detected intraoperatively, and, in contrast to the standard procedure, navigation safely resumed after updating the reference data. The navigation system was characterized by good stability, efficient system integration and easy usability. Despite additional working steps still to be optimized, the duration of the image-guided brain tumor resections was not significantly longer. CONCLUSION: The presented system combines the advantage of intraoperative MRI with established visualization, planning, and real time capabilities of neuronavigation and can be efficiently applied in a broad range of non-neurosurgical interventions.

Bone and Bones↗

[Post-processing of radiological data for preoperative planning in skull base surgery].

Preoperative planning in skull base surgery is usually based on numbers of different radiological data. To use this complex data digital post-processing is necessary. There is a significant difference between radiological and surgical post-processing. Planning the approach, resection of the tumour and reconstruction of the defect are supported by the software demonstrated in this study. Integration of the results in a closed workflow of Information-Guided Therapy will increase the potentials of surgical post-processing in the future (i. e. intraoperative navigation and visualization). Evidence based medicine will use digital data of surgical planning.

Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic↗

Third ventriculostomy in communicating hydrocephalus in adult patients -- the role of lumbar and cranial cerebrospinal fluid outflow measurement.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of CSF outflow resistance testing as a criterion for endscopic treatment in case of communicating hydrocephalus. METHODS: 12 patients with communicating hydrocephalus were integrated in a prospective study from 1999 - 2001. Under the assumption of different hydromechanical properties of both spinal and cerebral CSF compartment the resorption capacity was measured. V.-p. shunting, ventriculostomy or conservative treatment were performed dependent on the results and clinical outcome was evaluated. RESULTS: Six patients with pathological lumbar testing underwent primary ventriculo-peritoneal shunting. In 6 of the 12 cases the lumbar CSF resorption capacity was found to be normal and cerebral testing was accomplished. Two patients with normal spinal and cerebral resorption capacity were not operated. In the remaining 4 patients cerebral testing was found to be pathological and ventriculostomy was performed. An improvement of clinical symptoms was observed in patients operated with a v.-p. shunt and in the VCS group as well. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that there is a subgroup of patients with morphological communicating hydrocephalus that is characterized by a functional dissociation of hydromechanical properties of intracranial and spinal CSF compartment. In cases of regular CSF resorption but restricted CSF outflow from the ventricular system to the subarachnoid space ventriculo-peritoneal shunting may be an efficient therapy, but VCS was proved to be an efficient alternative.

Aged↗

Clinical results in MR-guided therapy for malignant gliomas.

The prognostic impact of the extent of tumour resection in surgery of malignant glioma patients remains controversial. We report the results of cumulative survival of malignant glioma patients operated with MR-guidance. Patients with complete tumour removal were compared with a population of patients with incomplete tumour removal. A 0.5 T scanner was used to criticize the extent of resection during surgery. In total no significant difference could be found, however there is a tendency that complete tumour removal seems to be associated with a slightly increased median survival time.

Adult↗

Improving planning procedure in brain biopsy: coupling frame-based stereotaxy with navigational device STP 4.0.

37 consecutive patients with space-occupying intracerebral lesions were operated via frame-based stereotaxy. After CT-localizing of suspect lesions and computer-supported definition of entry and target coordinates a serial stereotactic biopsy was performed. Biopsy specimens allowed a satisfactory neuropathological examination and diagnostic result in 36 cases (97 %). Only three patients (8.1 %) showed an intraoperative bleeding, which was not associated with any postoperative CT-detectable hematoma, neurosurgical intervention nor with any neurological deficits. In summary we described the method of a computerized planning technique for stereotactic biopsy with the use of a special stereotactic planning program. High percentage of satisfactory neuropathological diagnoses and comfortable and accurate definition of target and entry coordinates justify computer support as a routine method.

Adolescent↗

[MRI-guided pediatric interventions].

AIM: There are only a few diagnostic or therapeutic procedures where MR imaging is applied during pediatric interventions. This study will describe indications, complications as well as the advantages and disadvantages of MRI-guided interventions based on a case study in an open MRI scanner. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 14 procedures were performed in an open MRI scanner (Signa SP/i, GEMS) on 13 children (1 - 16 yr) with bone, soft tissue and brain lesions (1 - 4 cm diameter). Localization of the pathology, targeting and final control of the result were based on images acquired with SE-, 3D-, GE-sequences pre- and post-contrast as well as FSE-sequences. Interactive MRI-guided instrument navigation was performed using a multiplanar T1w GE-sequence. RESULTS: Eight biopsies (incl. 1 rebiopsy), two tumor resections, one removal of a free joint mouse and three tumor-markings were performed without complications. Five biopsies provided appropriate sample quality for a histological diagnosis while two samples were too fragmented requiring a second biopsy (one of them MRI-guided). Surgical progress during tumor resection and marking could be controlled during the intervention without repositioning the patient. DISCUSSION: MR image guided pediatric interventions combine the advantage of an imaging system without ionizing radiation and the high soft-tissue contrast. The low number of these kinds of procedures can be explained by the relatively high costs for the intervention, the increased duration for each procedure and the limited availability of open MRI systems. The integrated localization-system helps during planning of the access path when facing complex anatomical structures and provides safe navigation in sensitive regions like the epiphyseal cartilage. Recent and expected developments of the required MR-compatible biopsy instruments could provide higher efficiency for appropriate sample size and quality. Summarizing, MRI-guided pediatric interventions have shown to be a promising method at the beginning of its development.

Adolescent↗

[Fusion of MRI, fMRI and intraoperative MRI data. Methods and clinical significance exemplified by neurosurgical interventions].

The aim of this work was to realize and clinically evaluate an image fusion platform for the integration of preoperative MRI and fMRI data into the intraoperative images of an interventional MRI system with a focus on neurosurgical procedures. A vertically open 0.5 T MRI scanner was equipped with a dedicated navigation system enabling the registration of additional imaging modalities (MRI, fMRI, CT) with the intraoperatively acquired data sets. These merged image data served as the basis for interventional planning and multimodal navigation. So far, the system has been used in 70 neurosurgical interventions (13 of which involved image data fusion--requiring 15 minutes extra time). The augmented navigation system is characterized by a higher frame rate and a higher image quality as compared to the system-integrated navigation based on continuously acquired (near) real time images. Patient movement and tissue shifts can be immediately detected by monitoring the morphological differences between both navigation scenes. The multimodal image fusion allowed a refined navigation planning especially for the resection of deeply seated brain lesions or pathologies close to eloquent areas. Augmented intraoperative orientation and instrument guidance improve the safety and accuracy of neurosurgical interventions.

Adult↗