On-line stereoscopic image-guidance for neurosurgery

The authors demonstrate the use of multi-modality and 3-D stereoscopic imaging in the context of image-guided neurosurgery. They consider here, the integration of anatomical data (MRI), vascular data (DSA) and functional data (PET) derived from the same patient. The authors´ workstation, incorporating, a stereoscopic 3-D image display, is interfaced to a hand-held probe whose position coordinates in real space are constantly relayed to the computer during the procedure. This enables the probe to be visualized stereoscopically in images relating to the individual or combined modalities during the surgical procedure. The integration of multi-modality data in this manner provides the surgeon with a complete overview of brain structures on which he is performing surgery, or through which he is passing probes or cannulas, enabling him to avoid critical vessels and/or structures of functional significance