X-Ray Imaging and Computed Tomography
277
One of the most exciting applications of x-ray is in whole-body CT. This system
creates a complete 3-D visualization of the human body in a very high resolution.
The 3-D image can be easily rendered and investigated for tumors or any kind of
abnormalities such as enlargement of otherwise healthy tissues. The capabilities of the
whole-body 3-D x-ray tomography had made it a candidate for a major checkup
system. The main drawback of such systems is the x-ray dosage of a relatively long
exposure to x-ray that can cause damage in biological tissues.
14.9 CT IMAGES FOR STEREOTACTIC SURGERIES
The stereotactic surgeries eliminate the need for major neurosurgical procedures.
The typical procedures such as biopsy can be performed through a hole in the skull
of only 5 mm diameter. This calls for accurate positioning of the probe and other
smaller surgical tools. The combination of a reference system and CT provides an
invaluable image registration system that allows stereotactic neurosurgery.
The stereotactic devices provide a reference system (typically a frame) that is fixed
to the skull. Figure 14.15 shows the Cosman–Roberts–Wells System (CRW-System)
made by Radionics. The stereotactic localization device is mounted on the head of a
patient by means of a base ring on which various surgical tools and reference markers can be positioned. The patient can be imaged with the device in place to provide a
frame of reference.
FIGURE 14.15 CRW stereotactic device by Radionics, as used in registration and
image-guided surgery. (CRW™ is a trademark of Radionics. Copyright © Radionics.
All rights reserved. Reprinted with the permission of Radionics, a division of Tyco
Healthcare Group LP.)
277
One of the most exciting applications of x-ray is in whole-body CT. This system
creates a complete 3-D visualization of the human body in a very high resolution.
The 3-D image can be easily rendered and investigated for tumors or any kind of
abnormalities such as enlargement of otherwise healthy tissues. The capabilities of the
whole-body 3-D x-ray tomography had made it a candidate for a major checkup
system. The main drawback of such systems is the x-ray dosage of a relatively long
exposure to x-ray that can cause damage in biological tissues.
14.9 CT IMAGES FOR STEREOTACTIC SURGERIES
The stereotactic surgeries eliminate the need for major neurosurgical procedures.
The typical procedures such as biopsy can be performed through a hole in the skull
of only 5 mm diameter. This calls for accurate positioning of the probe and other
smaller surgical tools. The combination of a reference system and CT provides an
invaluable image registration system that allows stereotactic neurosurgery.
The stereotactic devices provide a reference system (typically a frame) that is fixed
to the skull. Figure 14.15 shows the Cosman–Roberts–Wells System (CRW-System)
made by Radionics. The stereotactic localization device is mounted on the head of a
patient by means of a base ring on which various surgical tools and reference markers can be positioned. The patient can be imaged with the device in place to provide a
frame of reference.
FIGURE 14.15 CRW stereotactic device by Radionics, as used in registration and
image-guided surgery. (CRW™ is a trademark of Radionics. Copyright © Radionics.
All rights reserved. Reprinted with the permission of Radionics, a division of Tyco
Healthcare Group LP.)