Integration of a real time localizer and 3D imaging for stereotactic neurosurgery

A computer assisted neurosurgical toolholder, integrated with an anatomical graphic 3-D rendering program, is presented. Neuroanatomical images are acquired in stereotactic conditions and the same reference system is employed to represent the position of the toolholder on the monitor. The surgeon can check the orientation of different approach trajectories, moving the toolholder in a situation of virtual reality. Angular values expressed by high precision encoders on the five joints of the toolholder modify "on line" the representation of the configuration of the toolholder within the tridimensional representation of the patient\´s anatomy.