Flexible microsensor technology for real-time navigation tracking in balloon sinus ostial dilation

BACKGROUND Microsensor navigation has the potential to aid balloon sinus ostial dilation by providing real-time tracking of balloon devices within the complex anatomy of the sinonasal cavities. OBJECTIVE This feasibility study evaluated the incorporation of a new microsensor technology into a flexible guidewire for use with current instruments in balloon sinus ostial dilation. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted to include seven men and one woman (age range, 33-68 years), who underwent balloon sinus ostial dilation with flexible microsensor navigation in the operating room setting. All the procedures were performed at target sinuses with the patient under general anesthesia, in conjunction with subsequent endoscopic sinus surgery. RESULTS Balloon dilation was attempted at the maxillary (n = 3), frontal (n = 14), and sphenoid (n = 1) sinuses. In all the cases, the surgical navigation system displayed the flexible wire tip as it was advanced to the target sinus ostia; this visual feedback for wire position guided the balloon placement. Successful balloon dilation with assistance of flexible microsensor navigation was performed on most sinuses, except a single frontal sinus with adjacent type 2 frontal cells. CONCLUSION Flexible navigation technology may be combined with balloon sinus technology to facilitate localization of instruments in the sinus anatomy. Additional optimization of both the device and software technology is warranted.