Neuro Navigation: Making your Brain and Spine Surgery Safer and Preçise

Neuro navigation, is a medical technology that enables surgeons to precisely locate and navigate brain structures during neurosurgical procedures. The Neuroscience Department of Columbiaa Hospital at Kasturi Nagar has installed the HRS Neuro navigation System for treatment of various Brain and Spine related conditions.
The public should be aware of the basic knowledge of this ever-advancing medical technology. This is an attempt to help the general public understand the basics of this technology.

Firstly, the key points are

1. Image Guidance: Neuro navigation systems use pre-operative imaging (e.g., MRI, CT) to create a 3D map of the brain.
2. Intraoperative Registration: The 3D map is registered to the patient’s anatomy during surgery.
3. Real-time Tracking: The system tracks the surgeon’s instruments in real-time, providing accurate localization.

Benefits

1. Improved Accuracy: Neuro navigation enhances the precision of neurosurgical procedures.
2. Reduced Complications: By minimizing the risk of damage to critical brain structures.
3. Shorter Surgery Times: Neuro navigation can streamline procedures, reducing operative time.

Applications

1. Tumor Resection: Neuro navigation aids in the precise removal of brain tumors.
2. Vascular Neurosurgery: Helps surgeons navigate complex vascular structures.
3. Functional Neurosurgery: Enables precise targeting of specific brain areas for procedures like deep brain stimulation.
4. Spine surgery with spine implants can be accomplished precisely with less radiation and invasiveness

Technologies Used

1. Optical Tracking: Uses cameras and markers to track instruments.
2. Electromagnetic Tracking: Employs electromagnetic fields to track instruments.
3. Ultrasound-based Navigation: Utilizes intraoperative ultrasound to guide navigation.

Future Directions

1. Integration with Robotics: Combining neuro navigation with robotic systems for enhanced precision.
2. Artificial Intelligence: Incorporating AI algorithms to improve navigation accuracy and predict patient outcomes.
3. Intraoperative Imaging: Developing technologies for real-time imaging during surgery to enhance navigation.

Columbiaa Hospital at Kasturi Nagar after adding the HRS Neuro Navigation System to its neuroscience department will be using this for precision neurosurgery. The Neurosurgery division of Neuroscience Department is headed by Dr H V Satish Babu with nearly 30 years of experience in clinical neurosurgery practice. Dr Parichay Perikal is Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon with a decade of experience in neurosurgery and Dr Sree Chaitanya is also a Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon in the department with nearly 10 years of clinical experience in neurosurgery practice.