Targeting Perfection

Newsletters

October 2018  | Issue: No. 13

Navident 2.0.1 Upgrade Released

The 2.0.1 update substantially improves Navident’s groundbreaking Trace and Place technology. Following this upgrade from release 2.0, the need for re-tracing due to a failed accuracy check should become rare, the registration accuracy should improve by 25%, and the registration processing time will be halved.

In extensive benchmarks of 2.0.1 performance, accuracy checks showed an error of less than 0.5mm in over 85% of the traces, and, in these cases, 3D registration deviations at entry and apex of planned implants averaged 0.5mm. That 85% belongs to the first tracing and the rest will be covered by an additional tracing (1 out of 6 times).

These large improvements were the result of per-part measuring and barcoding of each drill and jaw tag, and of tweaks to the registration algorithm. These, and other improvements included in 2.0.1, are detailed below.

Barcoded Tracer and Drill Tags

In past releases, measuring the position and orientation of tags during navigation involved matching the appearance of their optical markings in the tracking camera images with a general template of an average production tag. However, each production part is slightly different, so the tags actually used in surgery were slightly mismatched with the tracking template.

Starting with 2.0.1, the locations of each optical marking on each individual tracer and drill tag are precisely measured at the factory, and their exact coordinates are encoded in a 2D barcode (similar to QR code) laser-marked on the tag. Prior to the start of the surgery, Navident reads the barcode and forms a part-specific tracking template, leading to a substantial increase in accuracy, especially when tip calibration is done with one facet of the tag facing the camera and tracing or drilling is done with another.

To further ensure tracking accuracy and barcode reading reliability is not degraded with repeated use, and to enhance hygiene, the barcoded tracer tag is intended for a single use only, and will now come as part of each procedure kit.

Registration algorithmic improvements

Using the large amount of tracing data collected in benchmarks and patient usage with release 2.0, we were able to tweak and tune the trace registration algorithm to become more tolerant of landmark marking errors, more accurate in matching the trace to the jaw surface, and more tolerant of very bright image regions nearby, often caused by metal under or near the traced surfaces. We were also able to optimize the execution of the algorithm, cutting its run time by half.

Improved Trace Registration Audio Cues

We have added audio pitch cues to assist in tracing the entire surface of structures, such as teeth, without looking at the screen. The pitch increases every 25% of the trace, suggesting a switch to tracing a different side of the structure (e.g., buccal->occlusal->lingual->medial/distal or another tooth).

Usage Statistics Collection

We would like to collect statistical information on how Navident is actually being clinically used. This will greatly help us in detecting common usage issues and prioritizing improvements for future releases. The information collected is usage events, such as activation of certain functions, and contains no patient identifying data.

Participation is voluntary. Your permission will be sought the first time you will activate Navident after the upgrade to 2.0.1, and can to turned off or on later using the “Settings” form. Please help us help you ?

Upcoming Navident Educational Events

1. VuMedi, webinar, online at 9pm EST, October 3
Surgical Navigation for the Placement of Dental Implants. Moderator Ziv Mazor, Presenters, Robert Horowitz and David Lipton. 1CEU

2. NESP, New York, October 5
Dr Robert Horowitz will be incorporating Navident cases in his presentation on new technologies.

3. AAP, Vancouver, October 27
Afternoon didactic and hands on workshop with George Mandelaris “Dynamic Surgical Navigation for Dental Implant Surgery”

4. AAP, Vancouver, October 29
“Navigated Implant Placement – Moderator: Brad DeRoot Speakers: George Mandelaris and John Russo

5. Global Implant Symposium, LA, November 1
Didactic and hands on workshop presenter Robert Horowitz “ A History and Evolution of Guided Implant Surgery: From Free Hand to Dynamic Surgical Navigation

6. McGuire Institute, Houston, November 9
Navigated Guided Surgery: A Comprehensive Program Inclusive of Live Surgical Observations. Faculty: Dr Michael McGuire, Dr Eric Todd Scheyer, Dr David Lipton 7CEUs

7. Navident Head office, Toronto, dates available: November 17, or December 8
Hands on workshop at the head office, given by Navident’s Director of Clinical Affairs, Dr. Ido Bermanis. 6 CEU. These workshops are held once a month, every second Saturday.

Upcoming Navident Tradeshows

The Fall is FULL of Navident Opportunities. ClaroNav will be an exhibitor at tradeshows in Canada, United States and Europe. View them here. If you’re registered, please stop by.