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Updated: Apr 6, 2026
A Novel High-resolution In vivo Imaging Technique to Study the Dynamic Response of Intracranial Structures to Tumor Growth and Therapeutics
Published on: June 16, 2013
Laser-assisted flat-detector CT-guided intracranial access
Daniel L Cooke1, Michael R Levitt2,3, Louis J Kim4,5
1Division of Neurointerventional Radiology, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
Purpose:
Flat-detector CT can be integrated with C-arm fluoroscopy for CT-guided neurosurgical and endovascular procedures. We studied the accuracy of this technique with laser assistance in targeting intracranial lesions in a cranial model.
Methods:
An acrylic scale-model skull containing foam parenchyma was embedded with 2.16-mm-diameter targets. A flat-detector CT was acquired and registered to the skull's position. Ten targets were accessed with biopsy needles under fluoroscopic guidance, flat-detector CT overlay, and laser assistance. Accuracy was measured from the needle tip to the target center using flat-detector CT.
Results:
Ten targets were accessed successfully using XperGuide software. Needles were placed within 1.30 [Formula: see text] 0.63 mm of target isocenter. Accuracy did not vary by entry site, operator, location, or lesion depth.
Conclusions:
Laser-assisted flat-detector CT-guided targeting of all intracranial targets was successful with excellent accuracy. This technique can be applied to other minimally invasive neurosurgical procedures.
