Review of magnetic neurosurgery research

Image guided surgical techniques are often used to provide useful localizing information during the course of otherwise "standard" surgical procedures. In this review, a magnetic surgery system (MSS) is described that couples image guidance methods with a novel magnetic treatment delivery system. The MSS was designed with the unique capacity to manipulate an implant remotely, to follow complex curvilinear paths, and to implement serial movements over time without reoperation. Magnetically tipped intracerebral implants are placed on the brain surface and then directed along a target trajectory by means of externally generated magnetic gradients. The location of the implant is calculated by comparing preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging data with intraoperative biplanar fluoroscopic images. A command computer presents the surgeon with relevant MRI-derived images and implements movement commands by sending currents of various strength to the six superconducting magnets suspended about the subject's head. The results of multidisciplinary preclinical research and development work are reviewed.