title: Mobile computed tomography : three year clinical experience in Korea.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Obtaining real-time image is essential for neurosurgeons to minimize invasion of normal brain tissue and to prompt diagnosis of intracranial event. The aim of this study was to report our three-year experience with a mobile computed tomography (mCT) for intraoperative and bedside scanning.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 357 mCT (297 patients) scans from January 2009 to December 2011 in single institution were reviewed. After excluding post-operative routine follow-up, 202 mCT were included for analysis. Their medical records such as diagnosis, clinical application, impact on decision making, times, image quality and radiologic findings were assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two-hundred-two mCT scans were performed in the operation room (n=192, 95%) or intensive care unit (ICU) (n=10, 5%). Regarding intraoperative images, extent of resection of tumor (n=55, 27.2%), degree of hematoma removal (n=42, 20.8%), confirmation of catheter placement (n=91, 45.0%) and monitoring unexpected complications (n=4, 2.0%) were evaluated. A total of 14 additional procedures were introduced after confirmation of residual tumor (n=7, 50%), hematoma (n=2, 14.3%), malpositioned catheter (n=3, 21.4%) and newly developed intracranial events (n=2, 14.3%). Every image was obtained within 15 minutes and image quality was sufficient for interpretation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  mCT is feasible for prompt intraoperative and ICU monitoring with enhanced diagnostic certainty, safety and efficiency.
authors: Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Jin Sue
authors: JS
authors: Jeon
authors: Sang Hyung
authors: SH
authors: Lee
authors: Young-Je
authors: YJ
authors: Son
authors: Hee-Jin
authors: HJ
authors: Yang
authors: Young Seob
authors: YS
authors: Chung
authors: Hee-Won
authors: HW
authors: Jung
keywords: Computed tomography; Intensive care unit