Devices for targeting the needle.
For decades the gold standard device for stereotactic procedures has been a frame-based system that is rigidly attached to the head. More recently, frameless systems have been developed. More than 10 years after its introduction, the frameless system has not replaced its predecessor; most surgeons still prefer the frame-based system. Both systems rely on preoperative images that are registered to fiducial markers intraoperatively to meld image space to physical space. As a result, neither type of system is capable of providing real-time visualization of the brain target. A targeting device that works in conjunction with real-time intraoperative MRI scanners will address the primary limitation of today's targeting devices by allowing surgeons to work with real-time visualization of the brain target.
Barbre
Carol J
CJ
SurgiVision, Inc., 5 Musick, Irvine, CA 92618, USA. cbarbre@surgivision.com
D006801:Humans; D009339:Needles; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D012984:Software; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000639:trends; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted