One of the challenges faced in ENT, MFC and neurosurgery is the safe orientation within the surgical situs. For this purpose physicians fall back essentially upon two sources of information. Prior to surgery, radiological image data of the operative field are prepared (e.g. CT, MRT etc.); this data is used for subsequently planning the intervention.

During the intervention the surgeon uses his knowledge of anatomy to merge these data with the endoscopic image information received. Lack of anatomical landmarks and widely varying anatomy impede orientation and can lead to prolonged surgery or cause complications such as the opening of the skull base or a breakthrough into the orbital passage.A navigation system supports surgeons by continuously matching radiological image data with the current endoscopic image. The position of the instruments in the operative field is thus known precisely at all times.