Navigation guided brain surgery
Navigation-guided brain surgery, also known as neurosurgical navigation or intraoperative navigation, is a technique used to assist neurosurgeons in precisely locating and targeting specific areas of the brain during surgical procedures. It involves the use of advanced imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans, combined with real-time tracking systems and computer software.
Just as navigation/map in phone helps us immensely in reaching our destination, guiding us through unknown territories, similar technology helps us in navigating through the brain too!
Patient’s MRI/CT scan data is fed into the machine and then through infrared/electromagnetic techniques the patient’s head is also registered with the machine. This way activities occuring on the patient is seen on the screen in relation to the tumor /lesion. The machine tells us if we are in the right direction, how many mm away the tumor is etc. , making the surgery safer for the patient.
The process typically begins before the surgery with the acquisition of high-resolution images of the patient’s brain, which are then loaded into a navigation system. These images provide detailed information about the structures and anatomy of the brain, including tumors, blood vessels, and critical areas.
During the surgery, the navigation system tracks the position and movements of specialized instruments and displays their real-time positions on the preoperative images. This allows the surgeon to precisely navigate through the intricate pathways of the brain and precisely target the areas that need treatment, such as removing a tumor, placing electrodes for deep brain stimulation, or performing biopsies.
The navigation system provides the surgeon with continuous feedback, helping them to avoid critical structures, minimize damage to healthy tissue, and improve the overall accuracy of the procedure. It can also aid in identifying and localizing lesions or abnormalities that may not be easily visible to the naked eye.
Overall, navigation-guided brain surgery enhances the precision and safety of neurosurgical procedures, reduces the risk of complications, and improves patient outcomes. It allows surgeons to perform complex surgeries with greater confidence, especially in delicate areas of the brain where millimeter-level accuracy is crucial.
When is navigation guided brain surgery required?
- Brain Tumors: Both malignant (cancerous) and benign (non-cancerous) brain tumors may require navigation-guided surgery for precise localization and removal.
- Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs): Abnormal clusters of blood vessels in the brain that can cause various complications may be treated using navigation-guided surgery.
- Epilepsy: Navigation-guided surgery can help identify and remove the epileptic focus, the specific area in the brain responsible for seizures.
- Movement Disorders: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) procedures, used to treat movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease, often involve navigation-guided electrode placement.
- Brain Abscesses: In cases of brain abscesses, which are localized infections in the brain, navigation-guided surgery may be employed for their precise removal.
- Hydrocephalus: Navigation-guided surgery can be used for ventricular shunt placements, which are performed to treat hydrocephalus (accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain).
- Chiari Malformation: This condition involves the displacement of the brain tissue into the spinal canal. Navigation-guided surgery may be performed to address the malformation.
- Trigeminal Neuralgia: For cases of severe facial pain caused by trigeminal neuralgia, navigation-guided surgery can be used to target the nerve responsible for the pain and perform a procedure like microvascular decompression.
- Biopsies: Navigation guidance can assist in performing brain biopsies to obtain tissue samples for diagnostic purposes.
- Cerebral Aneurysms: In some cases, navigation-guided surgery may be utilized for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms, which are weakened areas of blood vessels in the brain that may rupture and cause bleeding.
It’s important to note that the use of navigation-guided brain surgery depends on the specific circumstances of each individual case. The decision to employ this technique is made by the neurosurgeon in consultation with the patient, considering factors such as the nature and location of the problem, potential risks, and expected benefits.
Advantages:
- Small incision/ minimally invasive
- Minimal brain damage due to precision
- Ensuring complete removal of the lesion
- Faster recovery