Neuronavigation

Neuronavigation is the set of computer-assisted technologies used by neurosurgeons to guide or "navigate" within the confines of the skull or vertebral column during surgery, and used by psychiatrists to accurately target rTMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation).

This technology was boosted by the collection of data on human anatomy in “stereotactic atlases”, expanding the quantitatively defined “targets” that could be readily used in surgery.

Finally, the advent of modern neuro-imaging technologies such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—along with the ever-increasing capabilities of digitalization, computer-graphic modelling and accelerated manipulation of data through complex mathematical algorithms via robust computer technologies—made possible the real-time quantitative spatial fusion of images of the patient's brain with the created “fiducial coordinate system” for the purpose of guiding the surgeon's instrument or probe to a selected target.

The standard TMS protocol which was FDA approved in 2008 estimates the location of the DLPFC by finding the left motor cortex and marking a spot 5 cm anterior to it.

Several manufacturers offer complete systems including Ant Neuro or Axilum Robotics.Assistive technologies are used during spinal fusion surgery to increase accuracy, especially for the placement of pedicle screws.

Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex targeted using high definition MRI. The red sphere is the anterior inferior left DLPFC, the green sphere is the indicated coil location. Left DLPFC is stimulated for the treatment of depression and other conditions
3d printed transcranial magnetiс stimulation patient-specific guide based on MRI data capable to hold 2 Magventure MCF-B65 coils in selected regions on both frontal lobes.
CAD model of patient-specific TMS guide