Biomedical imaging and intervention journal
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Biomed Imaging Interv J · Jan 2007
Autonomic neurosurgery: from microvascular decompression to image guided stimulation.
The paper reviews mechanisms underlying autonomic disorders, with a focus on cardiovascular dysfunction. Neurosurgical approaches are described for medically refractory hypertension and orthostatic hypotension. ⋯ Results are presented from patient studies showing reductions in blood pressure with ventral PAG stimulation and increases in blood pressure with dorsal PAG stimulation. A rationale for the treatment of autonomic disorders by neurosurgical intervention is discussed.
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PET scanning, because of its impressive sensitivity and accuracy, is being incorporated into the standard staging workup for many cancers. These include lung cancer, lymphomas, head and neck cancers, and oesophageal cancers. ⋯ Incorporation of PET information into the radiotherapy planning process has the potential to reduce the risks of geographic miss and can help minimise unnecessary irradiation of normal tissues. The best means of incorporating PET information into radiotherapy planning is uncertain, and considerable effort is being expended in this area of research.
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Surgery in the cranial area includes complex anatomic situations with high-risk structures and high demands for functional and aesthetic results. Conventional surgery requires that the surgeon transfers complex anatomic and surgical planning information, using spatial sense and experience. ⋯ Augmented reality, mechatronic surgical tools, and medical robotics may continue to progress in surgical instrumentation, and ultimately, surgical care. The aim of this article is to review and discuss state-of-the-art surgical navigation and medical robotics, image-to-patient registration, aspects of accuracy, and clinical applications for surgery in the cranial area.