Preliminary clinical experience with intraoperative stereotactic ultrasound imaging.

Neurosurgery guided by intraoperative ultrasound imaging is presented. The method is based on a stereotactic handfree ultrasound imaging device, designed to monitor cerebral shifts and lesion volume modifications during surgery. Preoperative CT and MR, acquired within a reference system, merge with ultrasound images stereotactically obtained by means of a lockable articulated encoded support. Landmarks from the lesion and surrounding structures are identified prior to opening of the dura and used during surgery to monitor volume changes.