A novel concept for smart trepanation.

Trepanation of the skull is a common procedure in craniofacial and neurosurgical interventions, allowing access to the innermost cranial structures. Despite a careful advancement, injury of the dura mater represents a frequent complication during these cranial openings. The technology of computer-assisted surgery offers different support systems such as navigated tools and surgical robots.

Evaluation of a synergistic handheld instrument for resternotomy controlled by an integrated optical sensor.

Re-Sternotomy is an important part of many interventions in cardiac or thoracic surgery. It is performed close to critical structures such as the ascending aorta or the heart with an inherent high risk of serious damage. In this paper, a system for improving the safety of this surgical procedure is presented.