Digital X-ray apparatus especially designed for precise biometry in stereotactic surgical procedures

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Medical Imaging
• Surgical Navigation

Background:

• Digital computed tomography (CT) revolutionized stereotactic surgery by enabling accurate lesion identification and coordinate calculation.
• Traditional digital X-ray imaging with analog-to-digital converters is unsuitable for stereotactic use due to uncorrectable image distortion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel intraoperative apparatus for stereotactic neurosurgery that overcomes the limitations of conventional imaging.
• To provide precise, distortion-free digital imaging for real-time surgical guidance.

Main Methods:

• Development of the Neurogil apparatus, featuring a linear array of 1024 photodiodes and an X-ray source for direct digital image acquisition.
• Implementation of a system that displays patient head and stereotactic frame images with exact measurements and no distortion.
• Integration of advanced digital capabilities including electronic subtraction, mathematical enhancement, and stereoscopic viewing for brain angiography.

Main Results:

• The Neurogil apparatus produces accurate, distortion-free digital images of the patient's head and stereotactic frame.
• The system allows for precise intraoperative measurements and visualization, crucial for stereotactic procedures.
• Digital brain angiography with enhanced visualization and stereoscopic capabilities is achievable.

Conclusions:

• The Neurogil apparatus represents a significant advancement in stereotactic neurosurgery by providing reliable, distortion-free intraoperative imaging.
• This technology enhances surgical precision and planning capabilities, particularly for complex brain lesion targeting.
• The developed software supports both closed and open stereotactic surgical approaches, broadening its clinical applicability.