Interactive graphical anatomical neuronavigation: past, present and future of 3D image guided neurosurgery

Today, modern neuronavigation systems achieve a computer-controlled direct between preoperative radiological and individual intraoperative anatomy. The authors' experiences in over 400 image-guided neurosurgical procedures with an arm-linked (mechanical) system and an infrared-light (optical) system demonstrate that neuronavigation enables precise pre- and intraoperative planning and improves surgical orientation. This technological support facilitates neurosurgical operations and results in a reduction of surgical trauma, improving the postoperative outcome and the quality of life of the patient. The future generation of neuronavigation systems will match structural and functional data in an overlay technique to inaugurate a new dimension of brain mapping.