Neuronavigation definition: It is used in the sense of direction finding and orientation.
Frameless guidance devices were put into use in neurosurgery operations in 1986, and they show many innovations until today. In the history of neuronavigation computer technology, framed systems were used extensively in the 1950s. Today, framed stereotaxic systems are used with success in certain central nervous system diseases (parkinson, dystonia, etc.). However, developments in computer software programs have contributed to the development of frameless navigation systems. Frameless navigation device is actually a reflection of aircraft technology to modern medicine. The neuronavigation system is to go to a planned target in the brain, like an autopilot, with a very small margin of error, using the basic physics rule of X, Y, Z coordinates in 3D. With the help of neuronavigation computer system, it provides very important contributions in reaching diseases in different parts of the brain (cavernoma, brain tumor, abscess, etc.). In particular, this technology makes a greater contribution to reaching diseases in critical and deeply located areas of the brain.
Use of neuronavigation in brain surgery
A topographic anatomy of the head and face is made on the scalp of the patient by using surface markers or laser markings. The data obtained are planned with the help of computers using CT or MR images of the disease in the brain. In the reflection of the images planned in the virtual environment to the real environment, the scalp incision, bone window removal, and more importantly, the target to be reached in the brain is selected in 3D. This planning and virtual process makes great contributions to reaching the area where brain surgery will be performed. For example, the shortest, most accurate and safest path is chosen to reach the brain goal. The benefits of brain surgery performed using this technology in the patient; less hospital stay, less blood use, shorter operation time, and most importantly, earlier return to daily life. Another important advantage is that there is minimal risk of damaging the brain tissue in reaching the tumor in the brain, and it helps the surgeon to understand the issue of whether to completely remove the tumor.
Neuronavigation unit equipment
1: Brain navigation,
2: Spine navigation,
3: 3D ultrasonography,
4: Fluoroscopy,
5: Brain vascular angiography,
6: Amelitate microscope compatibility.
In which brain surgeries is neuronavigation used?
1) Advantages of using neuronavigation in brain tumor surgery
1: With the use of this computer program, the scalp incision centered on the brain tumor and bone window removal are made more convenient and smaller.
2: Three-dimensional visualization of tumor and surrounding brain anatomy for optimal surgery.
3: With the help of newly developed computer programs, biopsy is performed for diagnostic purposes from lesions in deep and difficult parts of the brain, accompanied by a frameless biopsy arm.
4: It is understood in 3D whether the tumor in the brain is completely removed or not.
All these advantages of patients are less blood usage, less hospital stay, less operation time and less complications, and most importantly, they start their old job earlier
2) In vascular diseases of the brain (AVM) Advantages of using neuronavigation:
1: Describing the depth, diameter of the vascular bundle, its relationship with the adjacent brain anatomy
2: The surgeon can better define the normal brain anatomy of the vascular bundle of the brain with 3-dimensional images during surgery.
3) Advantages of neuronavigation in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy:
Deep or superficial brain electrodes are placed more safely and accurately than traditional methods.
Different epileptic surgical techniques (anterior temporal lobectomy, selective amygdalohippocampectomy, callosotomy) are performed more safely and safely.
In conclusion
The use of computer technology (neuronavigation) in cerebrospinal nerve surgery operations;
1: Appropriate scalp incisions and bone flaps are made,
2: Deep and subcortical brain lesions are defined more accurately,
3. Resection width is monitored simultaneously and three-dimensionally during surgery,
4: A smaller and well-centered bone window is opened,
5: Less blood is used,
6: The operation time is shorter,
7: The surgical wound heals faster,
8: More most importantly, it has many advantages such as shortening the length of stay in the hospital, as well as being able to return to the old job earlier.
