Image guidance for rapid temporal acoustic window localisation prior to transcranial Doppler ultrasound in the neurosurgical patient.
Transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) is a technically challenging procedure, when performed at the bedside in the postoperative period. Skull defects and acoustic obstacles were identified prior to TCD using 3-dimensional graphical reconstructions of patients' skulls after aneurysm surgery. We report our experiences, including a case wherein the technique facilitated completion of a successful TCD after conventional methods failed. We conclude that image guidance improves success rates, increases operator confidence and decreases procedural time for transcranial Doppler ultrasound.
Lewis
Philip M
PM
Department of Neurosurgery, Alfred Hospital, Commercial Road, Prahran, Victoria, Australia. p.lewis@alfred.org.au
Goldschlager
Tony
T
Rosenfeld
Jeffrey V
JV
D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D002532:Intracranial Aneurysm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D011184:Postoperative Period; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012886:Skull / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D017585:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Transcranial / Q000379:methods*