Computer‐assisted and navigated piezoelectric surgery: A new technology to improve precision and surgical safety in craniomaxillofacial surgery

BACKGROUND: Computer‐assisted navigated piezoelectric surgery (CANPS) is a surgical technique that combines the surgical navigation with a piezoelectric device. This association multiplies the advantages of both technologies, taking the best of each one providing a synergistic association. OBJECTIVE: To describe and assess the indications, advantages, disadvantages, and complications of this association of surgical techniques. METHODS: CANPS was used in 32 patients. The clinical diagnosis was facial trauma, tumors, orthognathic surgeries, temporomandibular joint ankylosis, pathology of the frontal sinus, and alveolar distraction. Nineteen patients were men and 13 were women. Planning software iPlan 3.05 of Brainlab, and Elements of Brainlab were used for planning and the Kolibri and Kurve of Brainlab for surgical navigation. The piezoelectric device used was a “Vercelotti” type in all patients. RESULTS: CAPNS could be performed successfully in all cases without complications and reduced the surgeon's uncertainty during the osteotomies. There is continuous control of the position of the surgical instrument. The use of the navigated piezoelectric device allowed the surgeon's uncertainty to be reduced during the performance of the osteotomies in depth, in poorly visible areas, with little access or reduced visibility. It also increases the safety of bone resections near important anatomical structures. CONCLUSIONS: CANPS combines the advantages of piezoelectric surgery and navigation. CANPS affords real‐time control of the position of the cutting tip and allows semiburied approaches. CANPS allows surgery to be precise, safer, and minimally invasive.