Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026

Subcutaneous Trigeminal Nerve Field Stimulation for Refractory Facial Pain
Published on: May 10, 2017
Image Fusion: A Novel Approach in Gamma Knife Surgery Treating Trigeminal Neuralgia
Ke Tang1, Yaqun Zhao, Jianchen Yu
1Department of Neurosurgery, the 309th Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China.
Objective:
Finding accurate locations for radiosurgical targets in trigeminal neuralgia (TN) remains challenging. This study provides a novel approach of image fusion used in locating radiosurgical targets for gamma knife surgery (GKS) in the treatment of TN.
Methods:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were performed before frame fixation, and computed tomography (CT) scans were performed following frame fixation. Fusion of the CT and MRI images was performed to locate the treatment target. The therapeutic effects were evaluated following GKS.
Results:
The CT image ensures precise imaging for defining the fiducial localizers. Multi-modality medical imaging allows the trigeminal nerve (CN V) to be distinguished from the adjacent corresponding vessels. Thus, image fusion makes isocenter positioning more accurate. Significant changes in the frequency, intensity, and length of pain attacks following GKS were achieved.
Conclusion:
Diagnostic MRI co-registered with stereotactic CT can be used for accurate target location. The therapeutic effects of image fusion for GKS treatment of TN are satisfactory.
Related Concept Videos
Nuclear Fusion
A helium nucleus has a mass that is 0.7% less than that of four hydrogen nuclei; this lost mass is converted into energy during the fusion. This reaction produces about...
Tagging and Fusion Proteins
SNAREs and Membrane Fusion
SNAREs exist in pairs that symmetrically interact and catalyze the fusion of the lipid bilayers in vesicle and target organelle. v-SNARE in the vesicle membrane are single polypeptide chains that bind to a complementary t-SNARE, composed of 2...
Frustration and Conflict: Approach-Approach, Approach-Avoidance
One common type of conflict is the Approach–Approach Conflict. In this case, a person faces two desirable...
Fusion of Secretory Vesicles with the Plasma Membrane
In 1993, Jim Rothman proposed that the antiparallel pairing of vesicular and transmembrane SNAREs, or...
Information Processing Approach

