Review of Computer-Aided Sinus Surgery

Abstract

Sinus is a cavity within a bone. Most are commonly found in the bones of the face.

Specially, paranasal sinuses are air cavities in the cranial bones, especially those near the nose. They include the frontal sinuses, the ethmoid sinuses, the sphenoid sinuses and the maxillary sinuses. There are many types of sinus disease. They are classified as acute (quick onset) and chronic (over a long period of time). Besides, there are several other types of sinus diseases due to fungus and polyps. Sinus tumors also happen although it is relatively uncommon. Navigation software for general sinus surgery has been developed and are being used in the operation room. However, there are still many blind regions in the sinus area by using conventional straight type endoscope and devices. To cope with such a problem, flexible endoscope and devices are being developed along with advanced navigation algorithms. In this review, many research activities associated with computer-aided sinus surgery are discussed.