The Potential Use Of Mri Guidance For Computerized Surgical Procedures

We report recent work in the development of computerized reconstruction and image processing techniques which allow planning and rehearsal of surgical procedures, and which will also be used for real-time control during therapeutical interventions. Sample applications are described, including neurosurgical and radiation therapy planning for astrocytomas; laser energy deposition via fiberoptic waveguide transmission deep within tissue for ablative surgery in the brain and other organs, hyperthermia of tumors, or laser angioplasty; and computer-guided stereotactic techniques for image-guided robotic arms or other intraoperative mechanical navigation systems. Technical requirements for acquisition and processing of 3D rendered data applicable for surgical planning are delineated, and avenues for further development suggested.