In today’s era of rapid medical advancement, brain surgery—once considered among the most complex and high-risk procedures—has become significantly safer and more precise. This progress is driven by cutting-edge technologies such as NAVIGATOR, a 3D surgical navigation system designed to elevate neurosurgical standards.
By providing real-time, high-resolution imaging, NAVIGATOR enables surgeons to plan and perform intricate procedures with maximum accuracy and safety. The system is particularly valuable in complex or high-risk neurosurgical cases, where precision is essential to preserving healthy brain tissue and ensuring the best possible patient outcomes.
NAVIGATOR: Intelligent 3D Brain Surgery Navigation System
NAVIGATOR is an advanced technology that generates real-time, three-dimensional images of the brain, allowing doctors to accurately identify target locations before surgery begins. This precision reduces risks when operating in critical areas such as those controlling movement, speech, or regions containing major nerves and blood vessels.
Elevating Treatment for Complex Neurosurgical Cases
The use of NAVIGATOR empowers surgeons to perform advanced neurosurgical procedures with greater efficiency and accuracy. These include:
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) – precise implantation of electrodes to stimulate targeted areas of the brain in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
- Epilepsy Surgery – surgical intervention to reduce or eliminate seizures in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.
- Awake Surgery – procedures performed while the patient remains conscious, allowing surgeons to monitor speech, movement, and other vital functions in real time to avoid damage to critical brain regions.
This system supports precise device positioning, helping reduce complications and improve patient outcomes.
Key Benefits of NAVIGATOR in Brain Surgery
- Enhanced Precision in Brain Tumor Surgery
For patients with brain tumors located near critical areas such as the brainstem, optic nerves, or speech control regions, the NAVIGATOR system guides surgeons to operate precisely on target without affecting other areas.
- Safe Surgery in Deep Brain Locations
Deep-seated tumors are challenging to reach without affecting normal brain structures. NAVIGATOR allows surgeons to plan accurate surgical pathways, lowering the risk of brain injury.
- Reduced Risk of Dispositioning in Small Tumors
Small or hard-to-detect tumors are difficult to target with traditional methods. NAVIGATOR provides pinpoint accuracy, helping prevent complications caused by incorrect positioning.
- Targeted Tissue Sampling
In cases requiring biopsy—such as suspected brain lymphomas—NAVIGATOR enables precise tissue collection with minimal disruption, often avoiding the need for extensive surgery.
- Smaller Surgical Incisions
By clearly defining tumor boundaries, the system allows surgeons to operate through smaller openings. This results in less trauma, faster recovery, and improved patient comfort.
Supporting Treatment for Chronic and Acute Brain Conditions
The NAVIGATOR system also plays a crucial role in treating other conditions such as:
- VP Shunt insertion for patients with small brain ventricles and high intracranial pressure
- Omaya Shunt for chemotherapy delivery in children with brain cancer
- Brain abscess drainage without major surgery
By enhancing surgical accuracy, NAVIGATOR helps reduce operating time, minimize complications, and significantly decrease the need for patient referrals outside the hospital.
NAVIGATOR and the Goal of Becoming a Regional Neurosurgery Center
The introduction of the NAVIGATOR system elevates Bangkok Hospital Pattaya’s neurosurgical capabilities, positioning the hospital to:
- Expand treatment opportunities for patients with difficult or complex brain conditions.
- Reduce outbound referrals, ensuring more patients can be treated locally.
- Build a foundation for becoming a Neurosurgery Hub & Referral Center within the region.
In 2023, for example, one patient with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) required referral for advanced treatment outside the hospital. With NAVIGATOR in place, such cases could be managed directly at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, improving both patient outcomes and hospital service capacity.
New Hope for Modern Brain Disease Treatment
Treatment for brain-related diseases is no longer beyond reach. With advanced technology such as NAVIGATOR, doctors can perform complex procedures with greater safety and precision—reducing side effects, shortening recovery times, and enhancing patients’ long-term quality of life.
The NAVIGATOR system is more than just a surgical “tool.” It is a breakthrough innovation that elevates the standard of brain disease treatment at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya. In an era where quality and precision are central to patient care, NAVIGATOR represents a vital step forward in advancing neurosurgery to meet every challenge with confidence and excellence.
