Why immunity to line-of-sight occlusion is important?

Most navigation systems use either optical (infrared) or electromagnetic tracking technology. Both systems perform the same function- however, the technology used to provide information to the operator is substantially different. The optical system uses infrared sensors in combination with light emitting structures that are fixed to the subject’s head via a headband and fixed to a hand-held probe. Both the headband and the instrument must be “seen” by the system’s camera in order to allow navigation. Optical systems are typically more expensive. The electromagnetic systems like the Neural Navigator on the other hand use electromagnetic fields that use reference points on a device attached to the patient’s head (held via headband). Unlike the optical systems, electromagnetic systems do not have to be “seen” by a camera and therefore do not suffer from line of sight occlusion (LOS) issues. In fact, electromagnetic tracking dominates the surgical navigation field due to no LOS issues. Furthermore, the Neural Navigator system uses DC pulsed tracking enabling it to match the precision and accuracy of optical systems.

The net result therefore is a fundamental advance in Neuronavigation – a system that matches the precision and accuracy of optical systems while not being affected by LOS occlusion and is more affordable.