Application of Augmented Reality Neuronavigation in Transnasal Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery

"For lesions in the skull base, including meningiomas, chordomas and pituitary tumors, endoscopic surgery has replaced traditional microscopes as the mainstream procedure. Although neurosurgeons can enlarge the surgical area using a neuroendoscope, it does not provide any information on the morphology and location of anatomical structures beneath visible surfaces. Due to the complex anatomical relationships of adjacent structures in the skull base, lesions occurring here are often located deep within anatomy that is difficult to fully expose and remove with endoscopic surgery alone. Especially when dealing with larger tumors that surround major arteries and nerves, limited visibility at surface level can easily damage blood vessels or nerves causing complications such as bleeding during or after surgery, deformities or functional impairments. The purpose of this study is to explore how augmented reality (AR) technology can highlight important anatomical structures in a neuroendoscope's field of view to optimize surgical visibility beyond what is possible with just an endoscope alone. This will make it easier for surgeons to distinguish deeper anatomical structures and reduce intraoperative and postoperative complications associated with endoscopic surgery."