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Abstract : |
Image-guided neuronavigation utilizes the principle of stereotaxis. The brain is considered as a geometric volume, which can be divided by three imaginary intersecting spatial planes, orthogonal to each other (horizontal, frontal and sagital) based on the Cartesian coordinate system. Measuring its distance along these three intersecting planes can specify any point within the brain. Neuronavigation provides a precise surgical guidance by referencing this coordinate system of the brain with a parallel coordinate system of the three-dimensional image data of the patient that is displayed on the console of the computer-workstation so that the medical images become point-to-point maps of the corresponding actual locations within the brain. Neuronavigation and stereotaxy provide intraoperative orientation to the surgeon, help in planning a precise surgical approach to the targeted lesion, define the surrounding neurovascular structures and allow avoiding the eloquent areas of the brain during surgery. This article reviews the role and the current applications of neuronavigation and stereotaxy. Progressive advances in technology will improve the cost-benefit ratio and the user-friendliness of the system and in the near future it may help to realize the aim of complete cytoreductive surgery with minimal morbidity. However, at the present state of knowledge, the benefits of neuronavigation only compliment the experience and knowledge of neuroanatomy of the surgeon and cannot act as a substitute for it , |
