Image guidance: the Foundation for the Future Design of Neurosurgical Procedural Facilities

Today's image guidance systems are the foundation of minimally invasive diagnosis and therapy and are the basis for the rational design of the neurosurgical operating room of the future. The building blocks of this procedural arena will be (1) high-resolution MR/CT anatomic imaging supplemented with (2) functional imaging using MR and magnetoencephalography, (3) real-time image monitoring using ultrasound probes, open MR and portable CT adapted to image guidance systems and (4) conformal radiosurgery systems. Although the initial investment in such facilities may be high, eventual cost saving through added precision and safety will result in shorter inpatient stays, lower morbidity and more complete realization of treatment goals.