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.

• 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.

• Tumor resections (e.g., gliomas, metastases)
• Stereotactic biopsies
• Epilepsy surgery
• Spinal instrumentation placement
• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
• Ventriculostomy for hydrocephalus

• Improves accuracy and safety
• Reduces risk of damage to healthy tissue
• Enables better surgical planning
• May shorten operative time

• 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

• Medtronic StealthStation®
• Brainlab Curve™ / Kick®
• Stryker NAV3i®
• Fiagon™ (for ENT/neuro)

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