Our Summary

This research paper introduces the Intraoperative Brain Imaging System (IBIS), a new open-source platform designed to improve the accuracy of neurosurgery. Current navigation systems used in neurosurgery can lose accuracy over time and require surgeons to mentally map images from a screen to the patient. IBIS aims to address these issues using tracked intraoperative ultrasound (iUS) and augmented reality (AR).

The system allows surgeons to capture real-time ultrasound images during surgery and use them to automatically update the pre-surgery models and plans of the patient’s brain. It also allows brain navigation, tumor removal, and corrections for brain shifts during surgery to be visualized using AR.

The accuracy of the system was tested in the lab and in an operating room. The results showed that the system improved the accuracy of image-to-patient alignment, with a median error of 2.54mm when using the ultrasound. It has been successfully used in various types of surgery, including brain tumor removal, spine surgery, and the implantation of electrodes for deep brain stimulation.

Overall, IBIS provides a comprehensive solution for AR visualization in surgery and allows researchers to quickly apply their work in the operating room.

FAQs

  1. What is the Intraoperative Brain Imaging System (IBIS) and how does it improve neurosurgery?
  2. How does IBIS use augmented reality and ultrasound in brain surgery?
  3. What were the results when the accuracy of the IBIS system was tested in a lab and an operating room?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about brain surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully, including fasting guidelines and medication instructions. It is important to communicate openly with your healthcare team about any concerns or questions you may have before the procedure. Additionally, be sure to have a support system in place for after the surgery to help with recovery and follow-up care.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for brain surgery include those with brain tumors, epilepsy, movement disorders, traumatic brain injuries, aneurysms, and other conditions that require precise surgical intervention. These patients may be experiencing symptoms such as seizures, headaches, cognitive impairments, or motor deficits that are not responsive to other forms of treatment. Additionally, patients whose conditions are worsening or are at risk of causing further damage to the brain may also be candidates for brain surgery.

Timeline

Before brain surgery:

  1. Consultation with a neurosurgeon to discuss the need for surgery and the risks and benefits involved.
  2. Pre-surgical testing, such as imaging scans (MRI, CT scan) and blood tests, to determine the location and size of the tumor or lesion.
  3. Anesthesia consultation to discuss the anesthesia options and any potential risks.
  4. Pre-operative preparation, which may involve fasting before surgery and stopping certain medications.

During brain surgery:

  1. Anesthesia is administered to put the patient to sleep and prevent pain during the surgery.
  2. The surgeon makes an incision in the scalp and removes a piece of skull (craniotomy) to access the brain.
  3. The surgeon uses tools such as ultrasound, microscopes, and imaging devices to locate and remove the tumor or lesion.
  4. Intraoperative monitoring is used to ensure the patient’s vital signs remain stable during the surgery.
  5. The surgeon closes the incision with sutures or staples and the patient is taken to the recovery room.

After brain surgery:

  1. The patient is monitored in the recovery room for a period of time to ensure they wake up from anesthesia safely.
  2. Post-operative imaging scans may be done to confirm the success of the surgery and monitor for any complications.
  3. Pain management is provided to help relieve any discomfort from the surgery.
  4. Physical therapy or rehabilitation may be recommended to help the patient regain strength and function after surgery.
  5. Follow-up appointments with the neurosurgeon are scheduled to monitor the patient’s recovery and discuss any further treatment options.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about brain surgery using the Intraoperative Brain Imaging System (IBIS) include:

  1. How will IBIS improve the accuracy of my surgery compared to traditional navigation systems?
  2. Can you explain how the tracked intraoperative ultrasound (iUS) and augmented reality (AR) work together during my surgery?
  3. How will IBIS help in visualizing and navigating through my brain during the surgery?
  4. What types of brain surgeries have been successfully performed using IBIS?
  5. What are the potential risks or limitations associated with using IBIS during my surgery?
  6. Will IBIS make my surgery shorter or more efficient?
  7. How will IBIS impact my recovery process after the surgery?
  8. Are there any additional costs associated with using IBIS during my surgery?
  9. What training and experience do you have with using IBIS in brain surgeries?
  10. Can you provide any case studies or success stories of patients who have undergone brain surgery using IBIS?

Reference

Authors: Drouin S, Kochanowska A, Kersten-Oertel M, Gerard IJ, Zelmann R, De Nigris D, Bériault S, Arbel T, Sirhan D, Sadikot AF, Hall JA, Sinclair DS, Petrecca K, DelMaestro RF, Collins DL. Journal: Int J Comput Assist Radiol Surg. 2017 Mar;12(3):363-378. doi: 10.1007/s11548-016-1478-0. Epub 2016 Aug 31. PMID: 27581336