Neurosurgical Technology

[Mr. Rasel]

Neurosurgery is surgery of the nervous system.
Most people think of neurosurgery as brain surgery — but it is much more!
It is the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of patients with injury to, or diseases/disorders of the brain, spinal cord and spinal column, and peripheral nerves within all parts of the body. The specialty of neurosurgical care includes both adult and pediatric patients. Dependent upon the nature of the injury or disease a neurological surgeon may provide surgical and/or non-surgical care.

Neurosurgical Technology

Robotic stereotactic assistance brain surgery
ROSA, or robotic stereotactic assistance, is a robot like-device, which neurosurgeons use to place electrodes in the brain to treat epilepsy. The procedure provides precise GPS-like imagery to guide placement of needle-like electrodes inside the brain.

Most advanced medical imaging

Intraoperative MRI (iMRI)
The Doernbecher intraoperative MRI, or iMRI for short, uses a 3-Tesla magnet, which is incredibly powerful, to generate high-resolution images right in the operating room. The 10-ton unit glides from an adjacent room on industrial-strength rails, then retracts when the scan is finished. Bringing the MRI into the operating room means surgeons do not need to move delicate pediatric patients in and out of the operating room during surgery.

Intraoperative computed tomography (iCT)
This new technique uses advanced medical imaging to improve the accuracy and safety of placement of electrodes in the brain (e.g. deep brain stimulation). Patients do not need to be awake during this surgery. An MRI of the patient’s brain is obtained before surgery and during surgery a CT scan provides improved clarity for surgeons to place electrodes.

Stereotactic computer assisted neurosurgery
Stereotactic, is a term used to describe a procedure performed in precise and defined three-dimensional (3D) space using a computer system. The ability to perform computer assisted neurosurgery allows for maximal precision in planning and performance of minimally invasive surgical interventions for movement disorders, epilepsy, brain tumors and other intracranial disorders.

Neurological Conditions
Some of the specific neurological conditions, diseases and disorders that neurosurgeons treat include:
•   Brain and Other Central Nervous System Tumors
•   Cerebrovascular Disorders
•   Epilepsy
•   Facial Pain
•   Head Injury
•   Movement Disorders
•   Pediatric Brain and Spine
•   Peripheral Nerve Problems
•   Pituitary Disease
•   Spinal Disease and Injury
•   Surgical Management of Pain

Source: Oregon Health & Science University