An Integrated CT-based Image-Guided Neurosurgical System

描述（由申请人提供）：x射线探测器和微型计算机的最新进展使紧凑且价格合理的计算机断层扫描（CT）成像设备在牙科和耳鼻喉科应用中取得成功。这项技术有望应用于神经外科。具体而言，术中影像更新将有利于脑癌的微创治疗，为外科医生提供解剖学更新，为手术导航提供定位数据更新，从而更准确、安全、完整地切除肿瘤。在本项目中，将开发一种紧凑型术中平板CT成像仪，并集成手术导航系统。该产品将使用先进的成像方法来产生低伪影的软组织图像，甚至在颅底和后窝，这通常是x射线成像仪具有挑战性的区域。该产品将为基于x射线的手术导航提供前所未有的软组织图像质量。它也将是迄今为止最紧凑和最友好的图像引导神经外科导航系统。第一阶段的工作证明了使用平板锥束CT进行低对比度成像的可行性，这是神经外科应用所需要的。在第二阶段，我们将进一步努力提高软组织成像能力，并将成像仪与手术导航工具相结合。一个原型将被评估在一个试点研究的特定微创神经外科任务经蝶窦鼻内垂体肿瘤切除手术。如果成功，将在密歇根州东南部的生命科学走廊创造大约1300万美元的年收入和15个额外的就业机会。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Recent advances in x-ray detectors and microcomputers have enabled compact and affordable computed tomography (CT) imaging devices to be successful in dental and otolaryngology applications. This technology holds promise for neurosurgical applications. Specifically, intraoperative imaging updates would benefit minimally-invasive treatment of brain cancer by providing anatomic updates to the surgeon and localization data updates to surgical navigation for more accurate, safe and complete neoplasm removal. In this project, a compact intra-operative flat-panel CT imager integrated with a surgical navigation system will be developed. The product will use advanced imaging methods to produce low-artifact soft tissue images, even in the skull base and posterior fossa, which are typically challenging regions for x-ray imagers. The product will offer soft tissue image quality unprecedented for x-ray based surgical navigation. It will also be the most compact and OR-friendly image-guided neurosurgical navigation system available to date. Phase 1 work demonstrated the feasibility of using flat panel cone beam CT for low contrast imaging, as required for neurosurgical applications. In Phase 2, further efforts are proposed to advance soft-tissue imaging capability and to integrate the imager with surgical navigation tools. A prototype will be evaluated in a pilot study for the specific minimally-invasive neurosurgical task of transphenoidal endonasal pituitary tumor resection surgery. If successful, approximately $13 M in annual revenue and 15 additional jobs will be generated in the southeast Michigan life sciences corridor.