Integrated multi-modality image-guided navigation for neurosurgery: open-source software platform using...

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Medical Imaging
• Surgical Navigation

Background:

• Image-guided surgery (IGS) is crucial in modern neuro-oncology.
• Current navigated ultrasound systems lack integration with essential non-imaging modalities like intraoperative neuromonitoring.
• Skull base neurosurgery particularly benefits from integrated multi-modality IGS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an integrated multi-modality IGS system for skull base surgery.
• To incorporate preoperative MRI, real-time neurophysiological data, and live 3D ultrasound.
• To create an open-source platform for flexible integration with commercial hardware.

Main Methods:

• Established functional and technical requirements for the IGS system.
• Developed an open-source software platform for hardware integration.
• Validated ultrasound navigation accuracy using phantom models and simulated clinical use.

Main Results:

• Navigated ultrasound component achieved accuracy of [Formula: see text] with a 25 fps frame rate.
• System assembly was straightforward and completed within a clinically acceptable time of [Formula: see text].
• Clinical simulation confirmed clinically acceptable accuracy for the complete navigation system.

Conclusions:

• An integrated open-source research platform for multi-modality IGS has been developed.
• The prototype system meets minimum design requirements for skull base neurosurgery.
• Future work will focus on further system optimization to meet remaining requirements.