Medtronic has launched a new surgical navigation system named as StealthStation ENT to help surgeons in treating conditions within the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) anatomy.

StealthStation ENT is based on an electromagnetic (EM) tracking technology.

During an ENT surgery, the new surgical navigation system operates by creating an electromagnetic field around the target patient anatomy. With the EM tracking technology, the position of the instrument is tracked dynamically right through a procedure, identical to how a GPS system works for cars.

Medtronic ENT business unit vice president and general manager Vince Racano said: “Our goal is to improve outcomes for ENT patients by delivering innovative, market-leading products and solutions.

“StealthStation ENT is one of the ways Medtronic continues to expand the boundaries of what's possible with ENT navigation.”

While providing much improved visualization to surgeons during a procedure, the StealthStation ENT system also comes with new software and hardware innovations. One of them is the Virtual Endoscopy to give a simulated view of sinus cavities which are otherwise inaccessible with a traditional endoscope.

NorthShore University HealthSystem Chicago Endoscopic Sinus and Skull Base Surgery director Joseph Raviv said: “The intraoperative use of computer-aided surgery is very helpful to assist the surgeon in clarifying complex anatomy during sinus and skull base surgery.

“It provides an added level of assurance and may allow for a more thorough sinus procedure.”

Medtronic says that the patient's preoperative data can be loaded into the Virtual Endoscopy to enable surgeons to practice an individual's surgery before entering into the surgical suite.

StealthStation ENT to support efficiency in the operating room has features like an emitter that can be positioned under the patient's head. This will give more space for personnel around the table, says the Irish medical device firm.

The new Medtronic surgical navigation system also features a 27inch, high-resolution touchscreen which has an intuitive user interface that can be customized by the surgeon.