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Virtual system improves brain tumor surgery
Issue date: 12/4/08
The resulting software is a virtual frame, or a computer representation of the stereotactic head frame that is used in surgery and allows the surgeon to predict the position of the frame in relation to an MRI scan. The overlay of the virtual frame on the MRI scan using the program allows the surgeon to determine the best location for the frame prior to SRS.
The virtual frame works by using a three-dimensional representation of all the hardware parts of the frame to superimpose on the MRI scan. These parts can be manipulated in the program.
The paper indicates that the software is quite exact, with an initial study suggesting accuracy within less than three millimeters compared to previous surgeries. Additionally, the team has shown that initial clinical use on patients indicates an average discrepancy of the virtual frame location and the actual frame location of less than one millimeter.
Radiosurgical treatment planning software can generate an initial treatment plan when the surgeons import MRI images with virtual reference markers.
"So far we have only used it for our stereotactic radiation treatment applications. It is most useful for metastatic cancers to the brain," Ford said.
This virtual frame placement software is currently the only software available to help surgeons with frame placement prior to SRS and its use allows for safer and more convenient surgery for patients.
"In particular there is no software that allows us to plan a frame placement prior to the day of the patient's procedure. Being able to do this makes the treatment go much faster. In some cases, it also allows us to do the whole treatment in one day rather than having the patient come back for a second day of treatment," Ford said.
The virtual frame works by using a three-dimensional representation of all the hardware parts of the frame to superimpose on the MRI scan. These parts can be manipulated in the program.
The paper indicates that the software is quite exact, with an initial study suggesting accuracy within less than three millimeters compared to previous surgeries. Additionally, the team has shown that initial clinical use on patients indicates an average discrepancy of the virtual frame location and the actual frame location of less than one millimeter.
Radiosurgical treatment planning software can generate an initial treatment plan when the surgeons import MRI images with virtual reference markers.
"So far we have only used it for our stereotactic radiation treatment applications. It is most useful for metastatic cancers to the brain," Ford said.
This virtual frame placement software is currently the only software available to help surgeons with frame placement prior to SRS and its use allows for safer and more convenient surgery for patients.
"In particular there is no software that allows us to plan a frame placement prior to the day of the patient's procedure. Being able to do this makes the treatment go much faster. In some cases, it also allows us to do the whole treatment in one day rather than having the patient come back for a second day of treatment," Ford said.
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Katherine Waite
posted 3/07/09 @ 12:16 AM EST
I thought this debate was about them, as opposed to featuring them. Whoops.
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