Three-dimensional digitizer (neuronavigator): new equipment for computed tomography-guided stereotaxic surgery

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Medical Imaging
• Surgical Technology

Background:

• Neurosurgical procedures require precise localization of anatomical targets.
• Conventional computed tomography (CT) guided stereotaxis is established, but its integration into open neurosurgery is limited.
• Bridging the gap between preoperative imaging and intraoperative navigation is crucial for improving surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel device designed to enhance precision in CT-guided stereotactic and open neurosurgery.
• To facilitate the direct transfer of preoperative CT scan positional data into the surgical field.
• To enable the application of CT-guided stereotactic principles in conventional open neurosurgical approaches.

Main Methods:

• Development of a device comprising a multijoint three-dimensional digitizer (sensor arm) and a microcomputer.
• Preoperative CT scans performed with fiducial markers placed on the patient's nasion and ears.
• Intraoperative registration of the sensor arm tip to preoperative CT images by sampling standard points.

Main Results:

• The system accurately indicates the sensor arm tip's position on preoperative CT images displayed on a computer screen.
• Positional data from CT scans are effectively translated into the surgical field.
• The device successfully integrates CT-guided stereotaxis into open neurosurgery.

Conclusions:

• The developed device serves as a valuable adjunct for CT-guided stereotactic and open neurosurgery.
• This technology offers a unique method for enhancing navigational accuracy in complex neurosurgical interventions.
• The system has the potential to improve the safety and efficacy of various neurosurgical procedures by leveraging preoperative imaging data intraoperatively.