3-DIMENSIONAL RECONSTRUCTION AND SURGICAL NAVIGATION IN PEDIATRIC EPILEPSY SURGERY

We have used MRI-based three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction and a rea ltime, frameless, stereotactic navigation device to facilitate the rem oval of seizure foci in children suffering from intractable epilepsy. Using this system, the location of subdural grid and strip electrodes is recorded on the 3D model to facilitate focus localization and resec tion. Ten operations were performed, including 2 girls and 8 boys rang ing in age from 3 to 17, during which 3D reconstruction and surgical i nstrument tracking navigation was used. In all the cases, the patients tolerated the procedure well and showed no postoperative neurological deficits. We believe this to be a valuable tool for a complete and sa fe resection of seizure foci, thereby reducing the incidence of postop erative neurological deficits and significantly improving the overall quality of life of the patients.