Stand-alone 3D-ultrasound navigation after failure of conventional image guidance for deep-seated lesions

Image guidance has proven to be an important tool in surgery for deep-seated or eloquently located cavernomas. However, neuronavigation depending on preoperative images can fail. Thus, the displayed anatomy might be distorted already during the approach. This report demonstrates the use of three-dimensional intraoperative ultrasound (3D-US) as a rescue tool, when conventional navigation is erroneous. Two patients with symptomatic cavernomas, the one located subcortically in the right peritrigonum, the other in the left thalamus, were operated in our clinic via an image-guided approach. An integrated ultrasound-navigation system was used for neuronavigation. In both cases, navigation based on preoperative MRI failed after the craniotomy because patient-to-image registration was lost. In both cases, a simple registration of the patient’s orientation was performed. Then a 3D-US volume was acquired and navigation was performed using the 3D-US data set. This is accurate as image acquisition and navigation are done in the same system. The cavernoma was visualized without difficulties in both cases. It could be reached directly via the ultrasound-guided approach. Patients’ symptoms improved postoperatively and a complete resection could be documented. Two cavernomas were successfully resected using 3D-US guidance. In our experience, stand-alone 3D-US navigation is an effective option if conventional MRI-based navigation fails.