Computer-Assisted Craniotomy

What Is Computer Assisted Craniotomy?

During a stereotactic guided craniotomy, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT scan (computed tomography) provides three-dimensional coordinates for the neurosurgeon to design and perform image-guided surgery. Computer-assisted craniotomies can be safer and less invasive for brain tumors that are especially deep-seated or in the center of the brain.

Intraoperative brain mapping employs advanced imaging technologies to chart individual brain structures and functions before surgery. Functional MRIs (fMRIs) performed concurrently with neuropsychological exams can more accurately map brain function and anatomy. Awake craniotomies allow patients to remain awake during the surgery so the surgeon can better protect critical brain functions by avoiding eloquent brain portions, parts of the brain that manage these crucial functions.

Computer-Assisted Neurosurgery
Stereotactic neurosurgery uses three-dimensional mapping to chart and assist in neurosurgery. With computer-assisted stereotactic neurosurgery, the surgeon is better able to accurately locate and remove intracranial lesions.

What Conditions Does Computer-Assisted Stereotactic Neurosurgery Treat?

Computer-assisted neuronavigation techniques are less invasive operations that treat a range of brain conditions including, but not limited to:

• Arteriovenous malformations along with other vascular malformations
• Brain tumors such as meningiomas and pituitary tumors
• Chronic pain, and
• Movement disorders.

What Are the Advantages of Computer-Assisted Neurosurgery?

Computer-assisted craniotomies offer patients a range of benefits:

• Smaller incisions and skull holes
• Faster locating of brain lesions during surgery
• Less damage to healthy brain tissue and blood vessels
• Computer navigation aids the surgeon in detecting tumor boundaries intraoperatively

The advancement of computer-assisted craniotomy allows some previously inoperable benign or malignant tumors to be removed.