A MRI-Based Toolbox for Neurosurgical Planning in Nonhuman Primates

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Medical Imaging
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Accurate surgical planning is crucial for neurosurgery in non-human primates (NHPs).
• Current methods may lack the precision required for complex neurological interventions.
• Advanced modeling techniques can improve pre-operative preparation and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a practical method for neurosurgical preparation in NHPs using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data.
• To enable the creation of patient-specific 3D physical models for surgical simulation.
• To enhance the planning of various neurosurgical procedures, including neurological stimulation, recording, and injection.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing MRI data for surgical planning and model generation.
• Employing brain extraction software and custom coding for anatomical model creation.
• Leveraging 3D printing technology to produce accurate physical brain and skull models.
• Developing an agarose gel brain model to simulate mechanical properties.

Main Results:

• Generation of anatomically accurate 3D printed brain and skull models from MRI data.
• Creation of a functional agarose gel brain model with relevant mechanical properties.
• Integration of custom craniotomy visualization for improved surgical field understanding.
• Demonstration of the models' utility in planning neurosurgical interventions.

Conclusions:

• The developed protocol offers a versatile and practical approach to neurosurgical planning in NHPs.
• 3D printed and gel models derived from MRI enhance pre-operative visualization and preparation.
• This method has broad applications in neurological research and surgery, with potential for future expansion.