Virtual neuroendoscopy, a comparative magnetic resonance and anatomical study

We evaluated the usefulness and reliability of intraventricular virtual neu roendoscopy based on a comparative anatomical study. Virtual intraventricul ar endoscopic images were calculated from 3D magnetic resonance images in f ive anatomic specimens. Contiguous 1.2 mm slices of the specimen heads were acquired at a 1.5 T MR scanner using a 3D-gradient echo sequence. The imag es were then transferred to an independent 3D-workstation (Sun Spark 20). A fter scanning the specimen heads, real endoscopy within the cerebral ventri cles of these brains was performed with a standard rod lens system. Compari son between real and virtual endoscopic views of the intraventricular topog raphy was based on the same anatomical reference and landmarks. Acquisition of MR data and virtual image post-processing have been possible in all spe cimens. The virtual endoscopic images of the ventricles were comparable to the intraventricular views obtained by a standard rod lens system. Virtual intraventricular neuroendoscopy can be employed for planning and simulating neuroendoscopic procedures. It enables the neurosurgeon to simulate the en doscopic procedure within the cerebral ventricles on the basis of the patie nt's individual anatomy prior to. surgery.