Neurosurgery is a heavily specialized and fast-evolving medical branch that focuses on sensitive surgical treatment of brain and spine issues. Technology is always evolving in all medical sectors and neurosurgery is no different. This evolving medical technology has given birth to modern tools and instruments that help neurosurgeons achieve the impossible.
Let’s discuss technological advances that help neurosurgeons treat brain and spine problems.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery
This technology uses precisely focused radiation beams to treat tumors and other problems in the neck, liver, spine, and other parts of the body. No incision is made during the procedure, instead, a high dose of radiation is targeted externally to the area. The radiation beams damage the DNA of the targeted cells.
This technology poses little to no damaging effect on surrounding healthy tissues.
Imaging Technologies
Intraoperative MRI (iMRI)
Neurosurgeons use imaging technologies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during neurological procedures to create a detailed image of the brain. The live image of the brain during the procedure helps neurosurgeons treat conditions such as epilepsy or remove brain tumors. Not only this, but the real-time image obtained from the intraoperative MRI also help:
- Locate abnormalities if the brain is shifted during the procedure – shifting the brain during brain surgery is a common occurrence.
- Differentiate abnormal brain tissues from normal ones, especially in traumatic brain injuries – distinguishing abnormal tissue from normal ones and removing them is very difficult without iMRI.
- Help protect the critical structure, especially while using laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) to treat epilepsy – iMRI monitors brain temperature to avoid injury during the procedure.
Intraoperative Computed Tomography (ICT)
Intraoperative computed tomography has increased the safety and accuracy of the placement of electrodes on the brain during a neurosurgical procedure. ICT helps neurosurgeons access all the information at once, which allows them to make critical decisions during delicate and complex surgeries. Intraoperative computed tomography also helps:
- Detect the misplaced screws and thus prevent unnecessary surgical procedures
- Visualize brain changes that occur during the surgery
- Identify hematoma during the surgical procedure
- Allow multi-segment fusion for spinal deformity
Stereotactic Computer-Assisted Neurosurgery
Stereotactic surgery involves a computerized link between an imaging device, such as a CT scan or MRI scan, to the equipment used in the operating room. Stereotactic surgery allows neurosurgeons to place a needle into a tumor or lesion with an accuracy of one millimeter.
Neurosurgeons can treat brain tumors, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and arteriovenous malformations with this computer-assisted surgical technique. Computer-assisted neurosurgery also involves deep brain stimulation in the treatment of epilepsy, essential tremor, and Parkinson’s disease.
Some Other Technologies Used in Neurosurgery
A neurosurgeon also uses the technologies given below to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. These are:
- Focused ultrasound – used to treat essential tremor
- Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) – used to determine the consistency of the intracranial tumor
- Cryoablation – nonsurgical way to treat tumors
- Deep brain stimulation
- Subthreshold cortical stimulation
Neurosurgery In Lone Tree, CO
At Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery, our exceptionally qualified and skilled neurosurgeons use advanced techniques to treat a wide range of brain and spine problems. Our surgeons will evaluate your condition and discuss the benefits and risks of the potential treatments with you, so you can make an informed decision about your treatment.
To make an appointment with our neurosurgeons, call us today at (303) 790-1800 or use our online request form.
