title: Interventional MRI-guided frameless stereotaxy in pediatric patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We prospectively reviewed our experience with intraoperative MRI (iMRI)-guided stereotactic procedures in pediatric patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  All procedures were performed within the magnet bore of the General Electric Signa SP MRI system, which allows for either continuous real-time or periodic imaging. The internal optical tracking system was used to plan and monitor target localization and instrument trajectory.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifteen patients underwent 16 frameless stereotactic procedures, consisting of 4 tumor biopsies and 12 cyst aspirations and stereotactic catheter placements (average age 6 years, range 6 weeks to 18 years). There were no hemorrhagic, neurologic or infectious complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  iMRI is an important component in expanding the horizon of minimally invasive neurosurgery for pediatric patients. Thus far, we have found this technology to be safe, reliable and extremely useful for frameless stereotactic procedures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Kosair Children's Hospital, Louisville, Ky., USA. tvitaz@niky.com
authors.forename: Todd W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Vitaz
authors.forename: Stephen G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Hushek
authors.forename: Christopher B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Shields
authors.forename: Thomas M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Moriarty
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D002557:Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003560:Cysts / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D038361:Neuronavigation / Q000379:methods*; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures; D011446:Prospective Studies