title: Interactive, image-guided, stereotactic neurosurgery systems.
abstract: Interactive, image-guided, stereotactic neurosurgery systems and advanced computer programs enable neurosurgery teams to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans to perform less-invasive intracranial tumor excisions. This new methodology, also known as frameless stereotactic neurosurgery, provides accurate, precise preoperative and intraoperative patient information to neurosurgeons. Neurosurgeons use a pointing device to communicate surgical locations quickly to a computer system. The computer then provides immediate, three-dimensional displays of pertinent MRI and CT scan information on the monitor. These intracranial images serve as navigational guides to neurosurgeons before and during surgical intervention. Interactive, image-guided, stereotactic neurosurgery systems, however, are only surgical tools, not substitutes for health care providers' knowledge or expertise. Neurosurgeons must balance their medical judgment with interpretations of computer-generated information throughout the surgical procedures. Interactive, image-guided systems should not interfere with patient care priorities but rather should be worked into the intraoperative nursing routine.
authors.affiliation: Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, Va., USA.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: League
mesh_terms: D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing / Q000601:surgery*; D003199:Computer Systems; D005260:Female; D005909:Glioblastoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D009493:Neurosurgery / Q000193:education; D010296:Parietal Lobe; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques / Q000451:nursing; D013702:Temporal Lobe; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014768:Virginia