Placement of intraventricular catheters using flexible electromagnetic navigation and a dynamic reference frame: a new technique.
BACKGROUND
Catheterization of narrow ventricles may prove difficult resulting in misplacement or inefficient trials with potential damage to brain tissue.


METHODS
The application of a new module for navigated ventricular catheterization using flexible electromagnetic navigation and a dynamic reference frame is presented.


RESULTS
Navigated catheter placement was successful and accurate in a pilot study. Electromagnetic interferences had to be taken into consideration.


CONCLUSIONS
Flexible electromagnetic navigation with a dynamic reference frame is a useful tool for catheter placement as it reduces the risk of misplacement or repeated catheterization trials.
Rodt
Thomas
T
Department of Neurosurgery, Hannover University Medical School, Hannover, Germany. rodt.thomas@mh-hannover.de
Köppen
Gregory
G
Lorenz
Martin
M
Majdani
Omid
O
Leinung
Martin
M
Bartling
Soenke
S
Kaminsky
Jan
J
Krauss
Joachim K
JK
D002404:Catheterization / Q000379:methods*; D002552:Cerebral Ventricles / Q000601:surgery*; D055590:Electromagnetic Phenomena / Q000295:instrumentation; D004867:Equipment Design; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D038361:Neuronavigation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D017287:Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt