Computer-Assisted Navigation for the Treatment of Brain Aneurysms

Endovascular therapy provides a minimally invasive solution for the treatment of brain aneurysms. Interventional neuroradiologists navigate microcathers, platinum coils and stents from the femoral artery to treat the pathological target vessel under fluoroscopic guidance. The procedure involves a clinically significant radiation dose to the patient and the clinical team. We have developed a multi-modality navigation platform providing real-time visualization of the position of endovascular tools without radiation exposure. The system integrates magnetic tracking of surgical devices, and 3D visualization of their position inside a reconstructed model of the vasculature. Preliminary phantom tests have demonstrated an accuracy of 3.8 mm. By merging imaging and localization data, this prototype can provide 3D real-tune navigation in brain arteries