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The Torrecárdenas Hospital Complex of Almería in the Autonomous Community of Andalusia has performed over 200 surgical procedures using a neuro-navigation device, an IT equipment which shows in real time three dimensional (3D) images of the brain and/or the spine.
The neurosurgery unit of the hospital has been using this computer-assisted surgery tool since 2007. The image obtained through electromagnetic waves makes it possible to have a global view of the patient's brain or spine in 3D. Moreover, it enables the viewing of the zone to be operated from different angles at the same time, thus improving the results of surgical procedures.
The neuro-navigator proves particularly efficient for the removal of brain tumours; it is extremely precise about the zone to be treated, thus reducing risks of affecting the healthy tissues during the surgery. It is as useful in the frame of surgical procedures performed on the spine.
A prior X-ray computed tomography (CT) and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are required before using the neuro-navigator. They allow localising the reference point that will enable the neuro-navigator to show the live 3D image of the relevant zone.
Among other advantages of the system, head of the neurosurgery unit José Masegosa highlights the fact that not only does the tool "enable the easier localisation of the right surgical path during the procedure", it also "proves highly useful for planning the intervention by showing in real time the zone to be treated, thus allowing to anticipate on the best strategy to be followed". "When intervening on such a delicate zone as the brain, it is very important to know not only the location of the tumour to be removed, but also its connection with arteries, veins and nerves" he added.
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