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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery
Published on: July 5, 2021
Real-time computed tomography image update for endoscopic skull base surgery
B A Woodworth1, A G Chiu, N A Cohen
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
Introduction:
The development of computer-aided systems for endoscopic sinus surgery has enabled surgical navigation through diseased or surgically altered sinus anatomy with increased confidence. However, conventional computer-aided systems do not provide intra-operative updated computed tomography imaging. We describe the technical aspects of the xCAT, a new intra-operative mobile volume computed tomography scanner.
Technical Report:
A patient with a malignant melanoma unwittingly removed at another hospital underwent surgery for removal of the lateral nasal wall and directed biopsies, in an attempt to identify the site of tumour origin. The procedure was performed with the GE InstaTrak 3500 Plus computer-aided system, updated with intra-operative computed tomography images. Intra-operative, updated images were integrated successfully into the InstaTrak system, and these images were consistent with the observed endoscopic anatomy.
Conclusion:
The xCAT intra-operative mobile volume computed tomography scanner is a technological advancement that can assist the endoscopic sinus surgeon when performing complex rhinological and skull base procedures.
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