Advanced technologies in navigation

Abstract

Conclusion: Surgical navigation combines and is driven by technological developments in the areas of imaging, tracking, image processing, sensor technology, and robotics. Corresponding prototype systems and commercial products have been presented, and some of them are currently in clinical evaluation to prove or disprove their clinical value. It can be foreseen already now that the integration of new algorithms, measurement systems, mechatronic devices, and smart instruments will push CAOS beyond the capabilities of today's navigation systems. It will remain the surgeons' responsibility to evaluate these new developments clinically and to separate the wheat from the chaff. © 2007 Springer Medizin Verlag Heidelberg.