Surgeons are combining augmented reality and virtual reality to perform sinus surgery.

New technology known as Target Guided Surgery (TGS) aims to improve patient outcomes and safety in complex surgeries.

It has recently been used to assist surgeons with planning and real-time positioning in patients who require ear, nose and throat surgery, which is performed in close proximity to the optic nerve and the brain.

TGS integrates with the operating room video endoscopy system and provides the clinical team with unique abilities to perform and observe surgery.

The technology, created by Berlin-based tech-company Scopis, can also be used in craniofacial, spinal and neurological operations.

Dr Marc Tewfik from Canada’s McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) has performed the first surgery using a TGS navigation system in North America.  

“One of the main benefits of using TGS is the ability to identify critical anatomical structures and to plan the safe placement of surgical instruments,” Dr Tewfik said.

“Endoscopic sinus surgery is particularly complex and in addition to improving safety, this technology reduces surgical time.”

More details are available in the video below.