NEW RADIOLUCENT HEAD FIXATION MADE OF ENGINEERING PLASTICS FOR INTRAOPERATIVE CT SCANNING

A newly developed head fixation for intraoperative computerized tomogr aphic (IOCT) scanning is presented. The system is developed based on t he head holder of multipurpose head frame and is made of two kinds of advanced engineering material; carbon fiber reinforced plastic for hea d holder and frames, polyamide-imide polymer for joints, screws, and h ead pin. Clinical tests including autoclaving and sterilization were p erformed and revealed all materials had sufficient strength for clinic al use. This fixation system enables us to increase the efficacy of IO CT scanning during open-field neurosurgery.