The use of augmented reality navigation technology in combination with endoscopic surgery for the treatment of an odontogenic cyst of the upper jaw: A technical report

PURPOSE: This report presents the first known use of a rigid endoscope with augmented reality technology for the removal of an odontogenic cyst that penetrated the maxillary sinus and illustrates its practical use in a patient. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the preoperative period, cone-beam computed tomography was performed in a specially designed marker holder frame, and the contours of the cyst and the nearest anatomical formations were segmented in the 3D Slicer program. During the operation, a marker was installed on the patient’s head, as well as on the tip of the endoscope, which made it possible to visualize the mass and the movement of the endoscope. The surgical intervention was performed with the support of augmented reality in HoloLens glasses (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, USA). RESULTS: The use of this technology improved the accuracy of surgical manipulations, reduced operational risks, and shortened the time of surgery and the rehabilitation period. CONCLUSION: With the help of modern technologies, a navigation system was created that helped to track the position of the endoscope in mixed reality in real time, as well as to fully visualize anatomical formations.