Image guidance is a three-dimensional mapping system used during surgery that combines computed tomography (CT) scans and real-time information about the exact position of surgical instruments using infrared signals. This allows the surgeon to accurately navigate their instruments through complex sinus passages, and allows safer, more precise performance of surgical procedures.

Dr. Bennett can see the CT scan in three dimensions while viewing the sinus structures through a camera on a large LCD monitor. The additional knowledge of location adds another level of safety and allows for a more effective surgery in selected patients.

BrainLAB® Stereotactic Imaging Equipment

Stereotactic imaging

Dr. Bennett receives a three dimensional scan on CD with every patient’s CT scan, saving you the time and expense of obtaining a separate scan later. The CD is covered by insurance at no additional charge. Unless your insurance requires precertification, we can schedule your CT scan on the same visit at an imaging center less than a block away from our office.

Not all sinus surgeries require stereotactic image guidance. Image guidance is best used for surgery on the frontal sinuses, sphenoid sinuses, nasal polyps, or revision sinus surgery.

Case #1

This 53 year old female suffered from severe nasal polyps for 10 years. She was unable to breathe from the left side of her nose and slept very poorly. Her polyps pushed the septum to the right and extended from the nostril on the left. Stereotactic image guidance was used to remove polyps from all of her sinuses. In the week following surgery, the patient’s breathing had significantly improved. She also reported a significant boost in her energy level.

Stereotactic imaging with removal of nasal polyps in the left sphenoid sinus. Clockwise from top left: Live video of the nose interior; axial (top of head) view of patient’s CT scan; coronal (front of head) view of patient’s CT scan; sagittal (side of head) view of patient’s CT scan.

Case #2

This 27 year old male had had 4 previous sinus surgeries. He continued to have yellow nasal discharge on his left side. A nasal endoscopy and review of his CT scan showed that he had an isolated frontal sinus infection. Image guided endoscopic surgery was used to open the sinus and cure his sinusitis.

Stereotactic imaging showing left frontal sinus open after removal of infected cell.