Development of prototype for navigated real-time sonography for the head and neck region.

Background: To date, few imaging methods have been established for the head and neck region, in particular for soft tissues, that allow adequate visualization and simultaneously adequate real-time orientation.

Methods: We report a new method using a navigated ultrasound device and a navigated surgical instrument that allows--even in the absence of bony landmarks--appropriate visualization and reliable orientation in real time.

Results: The practical applicability of the system was tested. Good handling and acceptance of the system could be shown. The "3-dimensional error" derived from the deviations in all 3 dimensions lies at 0.64 mm.

Conclusions: With this ultrasound-guided navigated procedure, an accurate approach of soft tissue structures with a surgical instrument is possible. Changes of the situs are represented in real time.