Use of 3 Dimensional Models and Navigation System in Preparation for Brain Surgery

This paper shows the advantage of using both 3d models and surgical navigation system when preparing and planning complex brain surgery. The novel clinical process introduced here combine CT and MRI images in special computer program where the regions of interest are isolated e.g. the skull base, tumor and other soft tissue. A 3D model is calculated from the segmented masks and printed using Rapid prototyping technology. The surgeon receives the model before the actual surgery and can set up a simulation surgery where he uses the surgical navigation system and the same probes as he will do in the actual surgery. Moreover by having these models surgeons can foresee complications that could occur during the surgery. We use this technique in 4 patient cases showing a clear improving in the surgical planning and surgical outcomes with potential reduction of surgical time. In one case this approach results to be fundamental for the operation success.