Abstract:

Imaging in surgery is used for diagnosis, planning, intraoperative navigation and post-operative evaluation. Digital medical imaging modalities include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), MR therapy (MRT), fluoroscopy and ultrasound. These modalities are applied singly or jointly (multimodality). Surgical requirements differ according to the nature of intervention, and real-time guidance is sometimes needed such that a sequence of images is generated and displayed as acquired. Soft copy display on CRT screens is satisfactory for intraoperative use, while hardcopy film images or physical replica modeling may be needed in other cases. Computed tomography/ developed more than 20 years ago, remains important in craniofacial and orthopedic surgery. Newer imaging systems, especially ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and digital fluoroscopy are used for neurosurgery, oncology, cardiothoracic and abdominal surgery. Each modality offers specific qualities that subserve specific needs in diagnosis, planning, intraoperative navigation and evaluation.

Authors:

Michael W. Vannier, M.D., F.A.C.R., Jeffrey L. Marsh, M.D., F.A.C.S., Ge Wang, Ph.D., Gary E. Christensen, D.Sc., Alex A. Kane, M.D., Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO

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