Image-guided orbital surgery: a preclinical validation study using a high-resolution physical model
Objective Preclinical validation study to assess the feasibility and accuracy of electromagnetic image-guided systems (EM-IGS) in orbital surgery using high-fidelity physical orbital anatomy simulators. Methods EM-IGS platform, clinical software, navigation instruments and reference system (StealthStation S8, Medtronic) were evaluated in a mock operating theatre at the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, a tertiary academic hospital in Dublin, Ireland. Five high-resolution 3D-printed model skulls were created using CT scans of five anonymised patients with an orbital tumour that previously had a successful orbital biopsy or excision. The ability of ophthalmic surgeons to achieve satisfactory system registration in each model was assessed. Subsequently, navigational accuracy was recorded using defined anatomical landmarks as ground truth. Qualitative feedback on the system was also attained. Results Three independent surgeons participated in the study, one junior trainee, one fellow an