Image-Guided Neurosurgery

Image-guided neuosurgery will probably be a very significant advance in neurological surgery during this decade. Using digitizers, computers and video, the neurosurgeon is able to exactly locate an area for incision, biopsy or surgery. In addition, intraoperatively, the surgeon is able to visualize (on a video monitor) a 2D or 3D image of a specific lesion. This book provides the neurosurgeon with practical details about how to use this fast-advancing technology. It covers the basic theory of the technology, and reviews generic technologies available, as well as the clinical application of image-guided surgery. Each chapter provides practical information on disease-specific applications, including outcomes and economics. Specific adaptations of image-guided surgery include ultrasonography, endoscopy, radiosurgery and brain biopsy.