#Japan #Tokyo #ELEMENTS #Brainlab #Kick® 2

Introduction

In August 2025, Brainlab Inc., headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, implemented an upgraded surgical navigation system at Showa University Dental Hospital located in Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo. This update introduces the Kick® 2 navigation system and the advanced surgical planning software, Elements. These tools are specifically designed for the cranio-maxillofacial (CMF) area.

Overview of Kick® 2 and Elements

The Kick® 2 surgical navigation system and Elements software collectively streamline the surgical process from pre-operative 3D simulation to real-time intraoperative navigation. These advancements are particularly crucial for complex oral surgeries, such as those correcting jaw deformities, ensuring high precision and a significant level of safety in treatment. At Showa University Dental Hospital, the focus lies on achieving both aesthetic and functional results, utilizing CT data for detailed surgical planning and intraoperative navigation support. The introduction of these technologies further strengthens their already advanced medical system.

Features of the New System

Both Kick® 2 and Elements cater to various medical fields, establishing a highly accurate support system tailored for the CMF domain. Notably, Elements includes an automated feature that precisely identifies target structures and risk areas for individual patients, enabling accurate surgery simulation and optimized surgical planning. With intraoperative navigation support from the Kick® 2, surgeons can visualize anatomical structures in real-time, significantly enhancing the precision and safety of operations.

Dr. Koutarou Maki, the hospital's director, shared insights about the implementation. He stated, "Since introducing the original Kick in 2016, we have successfully conducted over 580 navigation-assisted surgeries over eight years. The medical facilities with navigation systems for oral surgery are quite limited in Japan, highlighting our advanced and specialized surgical support framework. This system update is strategic to establish a more sustainable and safer surgical environment in the long term."

Expert Insights on the System Update

Professor Seigo Ooba from the CMF Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department also expressed high expectations for the new technology. He emphasized the need for balancing safety and aesthetics in surgeries aimed at jaw deformities, such as the sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) and Le Fort I osteotomy. He noted, "It's essential to quantitatively assess the precision of bone fragment positioning and the cutting line. By utilizing this navigation system, we can maintain high consistency between surgical planning and intraoperative maneuvers, as well as gain objective feedback based on detailed postoperative evaluations. This system will enhance our ability to safely operate in complex anatomical areas, like the temporomandibular joint. I look forward to the reliable and high-precision surgeries that will result from the evolution of 3D graphics and navigation technology through this update."

Contribution to the Field

Nobuchika Kyuuto, director of the Navigation/iORS business department at Brainlab, noted the significance of the Kick® 2 as a navigation unit tailored for cranio-maxillofacial surgeries. He mentioned, "With this update, we aim to further enhance and standardize oral surgical practices in Japan, promoting the wider adoption of navigation-assisted surgeries across the country."

Product Information

• - Product Name: Kick Navigation System (Medical Device Approval Number: 22500BZX00283000)
• - Product Name: Elements Surgical Advance (Medical Device Certification Number: 227AABZX00098000)

About Brainlab

Brainlab is dedicated to digitizing the medical workflow, from diagnosis to treatment, providing better healthcare options for both practitioners and patients. Its innovative digital ecosystem is utilized in over 4,000 medical institutions across 120 countries, serving as a critical foundation for modern medical technology. Based in Munich, Germany, Brainlab has been a leader in healthcare technology for over 35 years, employing approximately 2,000 staff across 25 locations globally, leveraging expertise throughout the medical value chain.

Learn more about Brainlab at Brainlab Official Website.