Abstract
The fundamental aim during neurosurgical procedures is to minimize the extent of surgical invasiveness. The recent development of a computer-assisted neurosurgical navigation system has facilitated less invasive neurosurgery by localizing lesions more precisely. This report assesses the utility of frameless and armless neuronavigation systems. The system we have been using relies on application of magnetic field technology to position measurement. It has the benefit of achieving excellent three-dimensional orientation by real-time anatomical interaction without interfering with basic neurosurgical procedures, although several kinds of metals can interfere with magnetic field. Surgical tracking, indicated as dots on MRI, is useful for confirming the extent of lesion removal. However, intraoperative brain distortion may occur, especially in cases where lesions are located in either hemisphere. Neuronavigation systems must be used with a better understanding of their benefits and pitfalls.
