Tag: Mobile application

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A Low-Cost Mobile-Based Augmented Reality Neuronavigation System for Retrosigmoid Craniotomy

Operative Neurosurgery 26:695–701, 2024

The correct positioning of the transverse-sigmoid sinus junction (TSSJ) during retrosigmoid craniotomy (RC) is crucial for enhancing surgical efficiency and preventing complications. An augmented reality technology may provide low-cost guidance for the TSSJ position. The authors aimed to investigate the clinical application of a self-developed mobile augmented reality navigation system (MARNS) for TSSJ positioning during RC and present their findings.

METHODS: This observational research enrolled patients who underwent RC at Fujian Provincial Hospital from May 2023 to June 2023. All patients had their TSSJs located by MARNS. The surgical incision and skull “keyhole” for drilling were determined separately based on the projections of TSSJ on the 3-dimensional model displayed by MARNS. This method was assessed using matching error, positioning time, integrity of the bone flap, incidence of transversal sigmoid sinus injury, and other complications.

RESULTS: Seven patients diagnosed with acoustic neuroma, trigeminal neuralgia, and hemifacial spasm were enrolled in this study. The MARNS system exhibited a matching error with an average magnitude of 2.88 ± 0.69 mm. The positioning procedure necessitated an average duration of 279.71 ± 27.29 seconds. In every instance, the inner edge of the TSSJ was precisely identified and exposed while the bone flap was successfully formed and maintained an average integrity of 86.7%.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the efficacy of MARNS in the precise placement of the TSSJ during RC procedures. It offers advantages for convenience, cost-effectiveness, and reliability for neurosurgical navigation.

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Using Smartphone-Based Accelerometer Data to Objectively Assess Outcomes in Spine Surgery

Neurosurgery 88:763–772, 2021

In order to deliver optimal patient care, spine surgeons must integrate technological changes to arrive at novel measures of functional outcomes. Historically, subjective patient-reported outcome (PRO) surveys have been used to determine the relative benefit of surgical treatments. Using smartphone-based accelerometers, surgeons now have the ability to arrive at objective outcome metrics.

OBJECTIVE: To use Apple Health (Apple Inc, Cupertino, California) data to approximate physical activity levels before and after spinal fusion as an objective outcome measurement.

METHODS: Personal activity data were acquired retrospectively from the cellphones of consenting patients. These data were used to measure changes in activity level (daily steps, flights climbed, and distance traveled) before and after patients underwent spine surgery at a single institution by a single surgeon. After data collection, we investigated the demographic information and daily physical activity pre- and postoperatively of participating patients.

RESULTS: Twenty-three patients were included in the study. On average, patients first exceeded their daily 1-yr average distancewalked, flights climbed, and steps taken at 10.3± 14, 7.6±21.1, and 8±9.9wk, respectively. Mean flights climbed, distance traveled, and steps taken decreased significantly from 6mo prior to surgery to 2 wk postoperatively. Distance traveled and steps taken significantly increased from 6 mo prior to surgery to 7 to 12 mo postoperatively.

CONCLUSION: We demonstrated a valuable supplement to traditional PROs by using smartphone-based activity data. This methodology yields a rich data set that has the potential to augment our understanding of patient recovery.

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