Stryker Navigation Introduces PROFESS™ System, the Only Video Tracking System for Intranasal Procedures and Endoscopic Sinus Surgeries

Stryker Navigation announces the introduction of the PROFESS System, a surgical navigation system for image-guided intranasal procedures and endoscopic sinus surgery. The PROFESS System has the only surgical navigation software for intranasal procedures and endoscopic sinus surgery which utilizes video tracking capabilities.

The PROFESS System operates by linking with a computer platform such as Stryker ADAPT®, Stryker NAV3® or Stryker NAV3i®, and uses live video images captured by a miniature video camera mounted on each of the PROFESS sterile, single-use navigated surgical instruments. It tracks and displays the intraoperative location of the tip of navigated surgical instruments relative to a pre-operative acquired series of CT images. PROFESS has been designed to eliminate line-of-sight issues, avoid electromagnetic interference and deliver a cost-conscious solution to the healthcare market.

The camera utilized with the PROFESS video tracking system is pre-calibrated, thus eliminating the need for time-consuming calibration when switching tools during a procedure. In addition, the system is designed to reduce the registration time to link the patient on the operating table to their previously captured CT scans, with registration often accomplished in half the time as previous intranasal and endoscopic sinus navigation systems in use.

“PROFESS speeds up patient setup, which may help reduce the amount of time a patient is sedated, and as the camera reads the tracking algorithms in the registration stickers, PROFESS delivers precision and accuracy,” said Derek Babin, Director of Marketing for Stryker Navigation.

Since its introduction into the market in early 2015, facilities including Stanford Medicine, Baylor Medical Center at Frisco and Charleston ENT and Allergy have incorporated Stryker’s proprietary PROFESS technology into their ENT surgical services. The PROFESS System supports FESS surgeries, including maxillary, ethmoid, sphenoid, and frontal sinus surgery and inferior, middle, or superior turbinate surgery.

“PROFESS is easy to use, ergonomic and smaller than current systems. It’s single-use registration stickers and plug-n-play tools also make it efficient,” said Keith E. Matheny, MD, of Collin County Ear, Nose & Throat. “And by incorporating video tracking and pattern recognition optics, Stryker is able to eliminate line-of-sight issues inherent in current navigation systems, while providing ENT surgeons with a system that greatly increases our ability to realize positive outcomes in patients.”

With an adjustable Patient Tracker that fits a variety of patient sizes and registration stickers allowing for customized placement, the PROFESS System provides ideal control and accuracy during procedures. The PROFESS software recognizes the stickers in the video image to compute their surface point locations relative to the Patient Tracker. The patient registration is accomplished through pattern recognition optics, and within the nasal cavities the system has a mean accuracy of ± 2 mm.

Designed for intuitive workflow, the PROFESS System features instructional videos displaying instrument setup, tracker assembly, and the registration technique. The PROFESS System also delivers a streamlined calibration confirmation message for all instruments. The integrated, lightweight instrumentation, with four suction varieties available to include in a procedure, gives surgeons the ability to control the PROFESS software from a sterile field.

About Stryker
Stryker is one of the world's leading medical technology companies and is dedicated to helping healthcare professionals perform their jobs more efficiently while enhancing patient care. The Company offers a diverse array of innovative medical technologies, including reconstructive, medical and surgical, and neurotechnology and spine products to help people lead more active and more satisfying lives. For more information about Stryker, please visit stryker.com.