title: Intraoperative ultrasound imaging: practical applicability as a real-time navigation system.
abstract: Experience with the use of Intaoperative Ultrasound (US) imaging as real time navigation system in neurosurgery is presented and discussed. Since 1987 we have performed US routinely in a wide variety of intracerebral and intramedullar pathologies. In this analysis we define useful intraoperative applications. Accurate definition of deep-seated lesions and their delineation from surrounding anatomical structures is possible with an US frequency of 5 MHz. Small subcortically located lesions can clearly be visualized with a high frequency probe. Differentiation between solid tumor, cyst and necrosis can be delineated. Identification of residual tumor is difficult. Dural sinuses and eventual invading tumor can be visualized by a 10 MHz probe. US guidance can be helpful for puncturing with a catheter, needle or endoscope. Postoperative percutaneous US imaging through a burr hole did not prove to be useful. The intraoperative use of US imaging is a reliable method for determining the size, shape and localization of lesions. It can be used as a practicable, cost effective and timesaving real time navigation system.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
authors.forename: P C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Reinacher
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: van Velthoven
mesh_terms: D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D001931:Brain Mapping; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D002557:Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts; D004453:Echoencephalography / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005910:Glioma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D007223:Infant; D008577:Meningeal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D008579:Meningioma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D038361:Neuronavigation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012189:Retrospective Studies