Automated Three-dimensional Volume Rendering of Helical Computed Tomographic Angiography for Aneurysms: An Advanced Application of Neuronavigation Technology

Abstract

Reports in the literature indicate that information gathered by CT angiography with volume rendering shows a significant impact on aneurysm management. The StealthStation system upgraded with the adequate algorithm seems to provide a time- and cost-effective method of performing automated 3-D volume rendering of CT angiography and provides an interesting alternative to the available investigation modalities in case of emergency.

Image-guided microneurosurgical management of vascular lesions using navigated computed tomography angiography. an advanced IGS technology application

“…The optical definition and anatomical projection of the vascular lesion with this technique is also superior to that of DSA alone. Furthermore, the correlation of the 3D volume-rendering CT angiography with the intraoperative findings is excellent, as has already been discussed by one of the authors in a recently published paper (28) as well as by others (4)(5)(6)(7)11,12,15,17,25). With respect to the system's accuracy, it seems to be similar to that of the IGS system, although we do not yet have sufficient data to support a statistical appraisal.…”

“…It is also a much less invasive diagnostic tool. In recent years diagnostic imaging and software technology has remarkably advanced and it is now possible to postprocess raw images from the volumetric helical scan on an independent station, using a 3D volume-rendering processor (6,7,11,12,14,25,28). The objective of this technique is the optimum craniotomy location and intraoperative 3D guidance to the lesion.…”

Conventional and contrast-enhanced ultrasound assessment of craniocerebral gunshot wounds

“…Transcranial Doppler is mainly used to evaluate large blood vessels but not microcirculation and perfusion of tissue (Oertel et al, 2002;Ract et al, 2007). The 3D stereo system and neurosurgical navigation are not real-time techniques; therefore, cannot accurately locate intracranial lesions when translocation of tissue occurs (Benvenuti et al, 2005;Jannin and Morandi, 2007).…”

Computer-assisted 3D ultrasound-guided neurosurgery: technological contributions, including multimodal registration and advanced display, demonstrating future perspectives

“…Few groups, however, have shown examples of both surface rendering and multivolume rendering in the same 3D scene, based on multimodal information, as for example 3D MR and ultrasound. Although 3D displays are now introduced in neuronavigation systems and in operating rooms (44,45), few systems have integrated intraoperative ultrasound for direct display as well as for repositioning essential preoperative data, so that the surgeon can navigate accurately throughout the operation. The developments will grow further and new user-friendly augmented reality displays, a fusion of camera/video images with 3D radiological data, used in the navigation system can make future planning and guidance easier and more intuitive (Figure 11).…”