Computer-assisted Planning and Performing of Neurosurgical Interventions

Project lead: U. Eisenmann

Collaborators: Neurosurgical Department, University Hospital Heidelberg, Neurosurgical Department, University Hospital Ulm, Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Heidelberg

Funding: Federal State of Baden-Württemberg

Abstract :
The planning of neurosurgical interventions should involve all available information according to the anatomical and functional condition of the patient.
In this project methods and systems are developed which shall assist the neurosurgeon performing complex interventions on the brain.
We therefore developed a multimodal planning system which comprises functional and anatomical data like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG) and information from digitized brain atlases. It is possible to segment anatomical structures, to measure length and to quantify volumes.
After finishing the planning phase the system may be linked to a commercial navigation system. Thus the neurosurgeon is able to immediately appreciate the visualized multimodal data of our planning system without affecting the usual workflow.
Furthermore, the applicability of diagnostic data for intraoperative procedures is observed. Currently the integration of elastically matched 3d angiography data is one of the main working areas. In this context augmented reality (cross-fading through the operation microscope of the real world image and the corresponding computer generated visualization) plays a key role.
The presented methods are evaluated conjointly with our collaborators.
 

Project duration:  2005-2010

 

Project team: U. Eisenmann, Dr. med. R. Metzner



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