Neuronavigation [Neurosurgery Wiki]

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====== Neuronavigation ======

Neuronavigation is a computer-assisted surgical guidance system primarily used in neurosurgery. It provides real-time spatial information to the surgeon, enhancing precision during procedures involving the brain and spinal cord.

===== 🔍 Key Components =====
  * **Imaging data**: Preoperative MRI or CT scans with high resolution.
  * **Registration system**: Aligns patient anatomy to imaging data using fiducial markers or surface matching.
  * **Tracking system**: Optical or electromagnetic tracking of surgical instruments.
  * **Workstation**: Displays interactive 2D/3D anatomical reconstructions.

===== 🧠 Applications in Neurosurgery =====
  * Tumor resections (e.g., gliomas, metastases)
  * Stereotactic biopsies
  * Epilepsy surgery
  * Spinal instrumentation placement
  * Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
  * Ventriculostomy for hydrocephalus

===== ✅ Advantages =====
  * Improves accuracy and safety
  * Reduces risk of damage to healthy tissue
  * Enables better surgical planning
  * May shorten operative time

===== ⚠️ Limitations =====
  * Accuracy relies on correct image-to-patient registration
  * Brain shift during surgery can affect accuracy
  * Requires setup time and training
  * Cost of equipment and maintenance

===== 🛠️ Common Systems =====
  * **Medtronic StealthStation®**
  * **Brainlab Curve™ / Kick®**
  * **Stryker NAV3i®**
  * **Fiagon™ (for ENT/neuro)**

===== 📝 Notes =====
Neuronavigation is often combined with intraoperative imaging (e.g., ultrasound, intraoperative MRI) to compensate for anatomical shifts and improve intraoperative accuracy.