Tomographic microtherapy.

Abstract

Minimally invasive techniques using endoscopes for image-guided therapy are now common in the field of surgery. Fast real-time radiologic imaging should be integrated into the procedure for increased safety in access and guidance techniques for endoscopes and instruments. The transparency of computed tomography (CT) guidance, magnetic resonance imaging, and electron beam tomography scan techniques allows precise guidance of instruments and endoscopes while permitting their diameter to be minimized. This guarantees safe and transparent access into the body, especially in high-risk areas such as the spine and brain. Combining both technologies has the potential to reduce complications and offers significant advantages in microinvasive operative procedures such as biopsies; local tumor therapy with lasers, radio frequency, or drugs; and percutaneous diskectomies or implants. CT is the golden standard for microtherapeutic procedures because of its precise tip discrimination.