We describe an image-guided neurosurgery system which we have successfully used on 70 cases in the operating room. The system is designed to achieve high positional accuracy with a simple and efficient interface that interferes little with the operating room's usual procedures, but is general enough to use on a wide range of cases. It uses data from a laser scanner or a trackable probe to register segmented MR imagery to the patient's position in the operating room, and an optical tracking system to track head motion and localize medical instruments. Output visualizations for the surgeon consist of an "enhanced reality display," showing location of hidden internal structures, and an instrument tracking display, showing the location of instruments in the context of the MR imagery. Initial assessment of the system in the operating room indicates a high degree of robustness and accuracy.
Knowledge of the anatomy of the cavernous sinus obtained with an endoscopic view of cadaver dissections is an essential step in the learning curve of endoscopic skull base surgery, and is important for endoscopic treatment of various pathologies in this region. In this anatomic study, we reviewed the approaches to the cavernous sinus with an endoscopic view and identified the neurovascular relations. This approach will help in performing safer and minimally invasive surgery.
A clinical series of 13 patients who underwent cranioplasty using a new quick setting material, namely Cortoss, was done over 3-year period. Thus, the primary objective of this study is to evaluate the role of Cortoss in the treatment calvarial defects which were mainly due to trauma (4 patients), tumor or tumor-like lesions (5 patients), middle cerebral infarction (3 patients), and gun shot wound (1 patient). The surgical technique was found to be simple and effective. Long-term follow-up (mean 24.3 months) demonstrated satisfactory results in terms of surgical (functional) and cosmetic outcomes. None of the patients developed complications including infections, foreign body reactions or material leakage. The results led us to suggest that the use of Cortoss in the case of calvarial defects seems to be safe, effective, quick, and a feasible method for cranioplasty. We conclude that the mechanical, immunologic, and technical-grafting properties of Cortoss, together with its superior esthetic and psychological effects, probably will make it the best material for cranioplasty.
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