Navigated nuclear probes for intra-operative functional imaging

Since the 1920s, functional imaging has continuously contributed with novel methods in medical diagnostics. Its usage in the operation room has been limited in the past, although there is a great potential for localization of target structures and control of the surgery outcome. One example of functional information in the operation room is the use of nuclear probes. These devices are radiation detectors that provide a ID signal that allows the surgeons to get information about the distribution of a radioactive labeled structure. We extended nuclear probes with a spatial localization system in order to generate functional 3D surface images or functional tomographic images in the operating room. In this paper we summarize our methodology, discuss current limitations and possible remedies, and provide an outlook towards a new generation of image guided surgery based on anatomical and functional intraoperative imaging.