A computer assisted toolholder to guide surgery in stereotactic space

A computer assisted toolholder, integrated with an anatomical graphic 3-D rendering programme, is presented. Stereotactic neuroanatomical images are acquired, and the same reference system is employed to represent the position of the toolholder on the monitor. The surgeon can check the orientation of different approach trajectories, moving the toolholder in a situation of virtual reality. Angular values expressed by high precision encoders on the five joints of the toolholder modify "on line" the representation of the configuration of the toolholder within the three dimensional representation of the patient's anatomy.

A computer controlled stereotactic arm: virtual reality in neurosurgical procedures

A computer controlled mechanical arm for stereotaxy is presented. It has 5 free joints and can be attached to a stereotactic frame. High precision digital encoders register the angular position of each joint and the computer determines the position of the tip of the instrument in the stereotactic space. Accuracy and usefulness are discussed.

Deep seated cerebral lesion removal, guided by volumetric rendering of morphological data, stereotactically acquired clinical results and technical considerations

The theoretical advantages of microsurgery guided by volumetric reconstruction of anatomy in stereotactic space, compared to traditional technique are discussed. Preliminary clinical results in 30 cases and technical considerations, concerning future developments, are presented.

Guided microsurgery by computer-assisted three-dimensional analysis of neuroanatomical data stereotactically acquired

Stereotactic acquisition of neuroradiological data, followed by identification of cerebral structures and three-dimensional rendering, has been successfully applied to guided microsurgical resection of deep-seated cerebral lesions. The method described utilizes data from magnetic resonance, computed tomography, and digital angiography and allows the surgeon to 'wire frame' the lesion volume and the position of cerebral vessels and structures of high functional relevance. Three-dimensional rendering of surgical instrumentation around the reconstructed anatomy allows for planning and simulation of the trajectory of approach.

Three-dimensional reconstruction of neuroradiological data within a stereotactic frame of reference for surgery of visible targets

Three-dimensional information obtained with neuroradiological exams performed under stereotactic conditions is displayed on a surgical console within the graphic reconstruction of the geometry of stereotactic frames. Planning of convenient probe trajectories can be carried out taking into account all data derived from different diagnostic techniques.