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Loading DICOM Files

Before you can begin planning, you need to load the patient’s CT or MRI imaging data into the case.

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Upload Methods

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Drag and Drop

The simplest method: drag a folder of DICOM files (or a ZIP archive) directly onto the planner viewport. NavNX will parse the files, identify the series, and load the imaging data.

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File Picker

Click the Upload DICOM button in the toolbar or on the case detail page. A file picker dialog opens where you can select:
  • A folder containing .dcm files
  • Individual .dcm files
  • A .zip archive containing DICOM files
ZIP upload is the fastest method for large studies. Compress your DICOM folder into a single ZIP file before uploading.

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Multi-Series Studies (MRI)

MRI studies typically contain multiple series — different orientations (sagittal, coronal, axial) and weightings (PD, T1, T2). NavNX handles these intelligently.

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Series Picker

When NavNX detects multiple series in an upload, a series picker appears:
  • Each series shows its description, orientation (SAG, COR, TRA), weighting (PD, T2, T1), slice count, and slice thickness
  • The top-ranked series is highlighted with a star and labelled Recommended for 3D planning
  • Single-slice series (scouts and localizers) are hidden behind a Show more toggle

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Series Recommendation

NavNX automatically ranks series by suitability for 3D surgical planning. The recommendation considers:
The recommendation is a starting point. You can select any series as your primary planning series based on your clinical judgment.

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Attaching Multiple Series

You can attach more than one series to a case:
  1. Check the boxes next to the series you want to attach
  2. The first selected series becomes the primary series (used for 3D planning, MPR, and segmentation)
  3. Additional series are stored as reference series (available for 2D viewing and annotation)
  4. Click Load N series to upload all selected series

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Switching Between Series

Once multiple series are attached, a Series section appears in the properties panel (right sidebar) when in Stack or MPR view:
  • Click any series to switch to it — the viewport updates to show that series
  • Previously loaded series are cached in memory for instant switching
  • Reference series that haven’t been viewed yet are downloaded from the cloud on demand
  • The ACTIVE label shows which series is currently displayed
Use reference series to review pathology in different orientations and weightings. For example, attach the T2 FS sagittal series for ACL visualization alongside the PD sagittal series used for bone planning.

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Annotations Across Series

Each series maintains its own independent set of 2D annotations:
  • Annotations are saved separately per series — switching series restores the annotations you made on that series
  • The Annotated Slices catalogue shows which series the current annotations belong to
  • The pre-op report includes annotations from all attached series, grouped by series

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What Happens During Upload

1

Parsing

NavNX reads the DICOM headers to identify series, modality, orientation, and patient metadata.
2

Series selection

If multiple series are detected, the series picker appears with a recommendation. Select one or more series to attach.
3

Cloud upload

Each selected series is uploaded to secure cloud storage (Google Cloud Storage) with encryption in transit and at rest.
4

Loading

The primary series is loaded into the viewport. The viewer starts at the middle slice of the series.

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Cloud Storage

Once uploaded, DICOM files are stored securely in the cloud. When you reopen the case, the imaging data is automatically reloaded — there is no need to upload again.
DICOM files are stored in your organisation’s regional data centre. Data never leaves the jurisdiction where your organisation is registered.

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Supported Formats

NavNX does not modify or delete original DICOM files. The uploaded data is a copy stored in the cloud alongside the case.