Article
Neuronavigation using virtual reality and deformable tissue simulation
Neuronavigation unter Zuhilfenahme der virtuellen Realität and verformbaren Gewebesimulation
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Published: | April 11, 2007 |
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Outline
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Objective: To describe a new computer assisted virtual neuronavigation system and to evaluate its impact on diagnosis and therapy of intraventricular pathologies.
Methods: MRI data were collected using a GE Helical Scanner (1.5 Tesla Sigma highspeed) and were stored in the Dicom file format. The data were transferred to a Sun workstation running the GE Navigator software (GE Medical Systems). The navigator software automatically converted this series of MRI images to a three-dimensional model by using the Dicom-specific information of location and slice thickness of each MRI image. Within this three-dimensional model, virtual operative approaches can be simulated, navigating freely through the ventricular system.
Results: Six patients with different pathologies of the ventricular system – aqueductal stenosis (3), colloid cysts (3) and solid tumours – have been examined preoperatively using virtual neuronavigation. The size of the ventricles, intraventricular vessels, as well as the three-dimensional extension of the cysts and the tumours could be clearly identified. With the help of this model, it was possible to decide, whether the CSF pathways were blocked or if there was normal CSF circulation. Free navigation within the ventricular system was possible in flight through sequences. Unfortunately, textures and colours are still missing at the moment.
Conclusions: Virtual neuronavigation provides important information about the intraventricular pathology before the oprative intervention. The approach planning can be carried out with greater precision, as it is possible to visualize structures that lie behind the operative field of view. Once the technical limitations have been overcome, virtual neuronavigation will become an integral part of operative planning as well as a useful tool for ecucation and training.