The techniques of computer and robots assisted surgery keep gaining in importance for medical applications

Stefan Haßfeld
The aim of an intraoperative instrument navigation system is to support the surgeon in the localization of anatomical regions and to guide the use of surgical instruments. During maxillofacial operations, instrument navigation tools offer the surgeon interactive support through operation guidance and control of potential dangers. This feature is already available today. Future intraoperative assistance takes the form of such passive tools for the support of intraoperative orientation as well as so-called tracking systems (semi-active systems) which accompany and support the surgeons' work. The final form are robots which execute specific steps completely autonomous.

The techniques of computer assisted surgery keep gaining in importance for medical applications. Many applications are still being developed or are still in the form of a prototype. However, it is already clear that developments in this area will have a considerable effect on a surgeon's routine work.

PD Dr.Dr. Stefan Hassfeld
Leitender Oberarzt
Klinik und Poliklinik fuer
Mund-, Kiefer- und Gesichtschirurgie
Universitaet Heidelberg
Im Neuenheimer Feld 400
69120 Heidelberg
Fax +49 6221 563594

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