EQUIPMENT CONFIGURATION AND PROCEDURES - PREFERENCES FOR INTERVENTIONAL MICROTHERAPY

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography, and electron be am tomography scanners are built for radiologic diagnosis. With increa sing frequency they are being used in the field of Interventional Micr otherapy to permit transparent visualization of the therapeutic field. Each of these scanners can be combined with endoscopy, fluoroscopy/di gital subtraction angiography, and ultrasound units for hybrid imaging techniques as well as with therapeutic systems like lasers or radiofr equency. MRI affords 3D localization without x-ray exposure. Open acce ss and keyhole imaging allow nearly real time guidance of instruments. Minimally invasive techniques using endoscopes and hybrid tomographic guidance result in improved tip tracking of microinstruments and redu ced complications. This safer access into the body will lead to interd isciplinary cooperation with the potential for large cost reductions. This report summarizes our experience regarding which of the hybrid im aging suites is best suited for procedures including among others drug instillations, prosthesis (stent) implantation, or microoperations (e ndoscopic diskectomy/sequestrectomy), and physiological measurements s imultaneously. (C) 1996 by W.B. Saunders Company