Neuronavigation (GPS-like Guidance System in Surgery)

An auxiliary technology similar to GPS that guides the surgeon during brain and spine surgeries using images taken before surgery.

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Surgical Technology

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1Overview

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What is this Condition?

Neuronavigation is a technology that guides surgeons during brain and spine operations, much like vehicle navigation (GPS). MR and CT images taken before surgery are transferred to a computer; during surgery, special cameras track the position of instruments the surgeon is using and show in real-time on the screen which point in the image these instruments correspond to. This allows more precise localization of the tumor or targeted area. As a result, generally smaller incisions can be made, it becomes easier to protect brain areas responsible for important functions such as speech, movement, and vision, and safer access to target tissue is aimed for. Neuronavigation is not a treatment by itself but an auxiliary tool supporting surgery and does not replace the surgeon's knowledge and experience.

Symptoms

In tumors near brain areas controlling important functions (movement, speech, vision), to assist in protecting these areas.

To plan a safe pathway to deep brain tumors, cysts, or lesions that are difficult to reach.

To support removal with more precise tumor boundary definition and minimal contact with healthy tissue.

To navigate in sensitive areas with dense vessels and nerves such as the skull base.

To assist in correct angle and positioning of screws in spine surgery and reduce X-ray requirements.

To determine position in special cases such as pituitary gland tumors and arteriovenous malformations (AVM) surgeries.

Diagnosis Methods

Neuronavigation is not a disease, but a method that supports surgery; therefore, it does not make a diagnosis but is used in the surgical treatment of a disease that has already been diagnosed. During the preparation phase, thin-section high-resolution MRI and, if necessary, CT scans are obtained; special MR techniques showing speech and movement areas (fMRI, DTI) can be added. These images are uploaded to a computer for surgical planning and a three-dimensional map is created.

Treatment Methods

Neuronavigation is a guidance system used during surgery. Preoperative images are uploaded to a computer; at the start of surgery, these images are matched with the patient's head (registration process). The surgeon sees in real-time on the screen where the point touched with a special pointer or instrument appears in the image and advances toward the target accordingly. As surgery progresses, the brain can shift slightly (brain shift), so in some cases, intraoperative ultrasound or MRI is used to update the images and maintain positional accuracy. This technology contributes to the surgeon by enabling smaller incisions, protection of sensitive areas, and safe access to the target; however, results depend on the type of disease, its location, and the surgeon's experience.

Extraction of a three-dimensional map from preoperative images and planning of the surgical approach.

Real-time monitoring of instrument positions on the screen during surgery to track tumor boundaries and distance to sensitive areas.

Updating images with intraoperative ultrasound or MRI if needed (compensating for brain shift).

Guidance of screw placement in spinal surgeries and reduction of X-ray requirements.

Treatment Path

Related Treatments

The procedures and interventions most commonly explored with this condition.

4 links

Stereotaktik radyocerrahi (SRC) - Gamma Knife, Cyberknife

Stereotaktik radyocerrahi (SRC) - Gamma Knife, Cyberknife procedure

Open treatment detail

Stereotaktik radyoterapi (SBRT) - Gamma Knife, Cyberknife

Stereotaktik radyoterapi (SBRT) - Gamma Knife, Cyberknife procedure

Open treatment detail

Endoscopic Tumor Biopsy

Endoscopic Tumor Biopsy procedure

Open treatment detail

Glial tümörler, internal dekompresyon, mikrocerrahi ile

Glial tümörler, internal dekompresyon, mikrocerrahi ile procedure

Open treatment detail

References

Sekhar LN, Fessler RG, eds. Atlas of Neurosurgical Techniques: Brain. 2nd ed. Thieme; 2015:83.
Sekhar LN, Fessler RG, eds. Atlas of Neurosurgical Techniques: Brain. 2nd ed. Thieme; 2015:85.
Quiñones-Hinojosa A, ed. Schmidek and Sweet Operative Neurosurgical Techniques. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2021:15.
Quiñones-Hinojosa A, ed. Schmidek and Sweet Operative Neurosurgical Techniques. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2021:16.

This content is for informational purposes and based on academic sources; consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

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Neuronavigation (GPS-like Guidance System in Surgery)

Surgical Technology

1Overview

What is this Condition?

Symptoms

Diagnosis Methods

Treatment Methods

Related Treatments

Stereotaktik radyocerrahi (SRC) - Gamma Knife, Cyberknife

Stereotaktik radyoterapi (SBRT) - Gamma Knife, Cyberknife

Endoscopic Tumor Biopsy

Glial tümörler, internal dekompresyon, mikrocerrahi ile

References

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Related Treatments

Stereotaktik radyocerrahi (SRC) - Gamma Knife, Cyberknife

Stereotaktik radyoterapi (SBRT) - Gamma Knife, Cyberknife

Endoscopic Tumor Biopsy

Glial tümörler, internal dekompresyon, mikrocerrahi ile

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