Integration of stereoscopic DSA and 3D MRI for image-guided neurosurgery.

We demonstrate the feasibility and utility of using anatomical/vascular correlation in image-guided surgery, by interfacing a PC-based stereoscopic Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) analysis system to a three-dimensional (3D) image based surgical workstation that has been modified to allow presentation of stereoscopic images. Numerical values representing the position and angulation of a hand-held probe are transmitted to both systems simultaneously, enabling the probe to be visualized stereoscopically in both anatomical and vascular images during the surgical procedure. The integration of the patient's vascular and anatomical data in this way provides the surgeon with a complete overview of brain structures through which he is passing the electrode-guiding cannulas, enabling him to avoid critical vessels en route to the targets.