Mobile computed tomography : three year clinical experience in Korea

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Real-time imaging is crucial for neurosurgeons to minimize brain tissue damage and quickly diagnose intracranial events.
• Intraoperative and bedside imaging are essential for timely clinical decisions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the three-year experience with mobile computed tomography (mCT) for intraoperative and bedside neurosurgical scanning.
• To assess the feasibility, impact, and image quality of mCT in a clinical setting.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 202 mobile computed tomography (mCT) scans from 297 patients (January 2009-December 2011).
• Analysis included diagnosis, clinical application, impact on decision-making, scan times, image quality, and radiological findings.
• Scans were performed in the operating room (95%) or intensive care unit (5%).

Main Results:

• mCT scans facilitated intraoperative assessment of tumor resection extent (27.2%), hematoma removal (20.8%), and catheter placement (45.0%).
• Confirmation of residual tumor, malpositioned catheters, or new intracranial events led to 14 additional procedures.
• All images were obtained within 15 minutes and were of sufficient quality for interpretation.

Conclusions:

• Mobile computed tomography (mCT) is a feasible tool for prompt intraoperative and intensive care unit (ICU) monitoring.
• mCT enhances diagnostic certainty, safety, and efficiency in neurosurgical applications.