New Solutions to Improve the Accuracy of the Navigation-Guided Foreign Body Removal in Craniomaxillofacial Deep Space

Objective Surgical navigation-guided removal of foreign bodies in the craniomaxillofacial region has been proven to be an effective method. However, there have been some unsuccessful patients due to reduced navigation accuracy or complicated and undetectable anatomy. This article summarizes the experience and proposes some solutions to achieve better results. Study design Two solutions were proposed to optimize the surgical navigation procedure: using a 3-dimensionally printed customized mandible retainer to indirectly maintain the consistency of the foreign body's visual images of preoperative planning and intraoperative navigation and importing real-time endoscopic imaging during surgery to provide vision under complex anatomy. Two patients were selected for each method. Results The foreign bodies were successfully and minimally invasively removed in all patients assisted by optimized surgical navigation. During follow-up at 3 to 6 months postoperatively, no complications were found. Conclusion Improving navigation accuracy and providing real vision might be effective at compensating for insufficient navigation due to navigation positioning errors or the interference of imperceptible and complicated anatomy.