Computer-assisted endoscopy for neurosurgical procedures: Technical note

OBJECTIVE: As neuroendoscopy technology evolves, the ventriculoscope is playing a greater role in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the ventricular system. However, even with direct visualization, correctly orienting and safely navigating an endoscope may be difficult with abnormal anatomy, in small ventricles, or when searching for small periventricular lesions identified on neuroimaging studies. The ability to define the location of the endoscope during such procedures enhances its effectiveness and safety. INSTRUMENTATION: We report the successful adaptation of an image-guided stereotactic wand to a rigid neuroendoscope. With computer-assisted neuroendoscopy (CANE), the tip position and orientation of a rigid ventriculoscope were visualized in real-time on neuroimaging studies that were obtained before surgery. Because computer guidance may also be used with the neuroendoscope obturator during ventricular access, uncertainty in accessing small ventricles is minimized. RESULTS: Eleven patients were operated on at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation using the CANE system. All patients except one were improved after surgery. Early experience suggests that CANE is useful for certain endoscopic procedures by aiding in trajectory planning, ventricular navigation, and localizing certain pathological conditions. CONCLUSION: Even with direct visualization, ventriculoscopy in abnormal anatomy may be difficult. Although the CANE system may not always be necessary in neuroendoscopy, correlation of the endoscope tip location, with an intraoperative magnetic resonance image via continuous computer updates, may enhance the safety, as well as the efficiency, of neuroendoscopy in the future.