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C Trantakis

Publications and source records attributed to C Trantakis.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

[Fusion of MRI, fMRI and intraoperative MRI data. Methods and clinical significance exemplified by neurosurgical interventions].

The aim of this work was to realize and clinically evaluate an image fusion platform for the integration of preoperative MRI and fMRI data into the intraoperative images of an interventional MRI system with a focus on neurosurgical procedures. A vertically open 0.5 T MRI scanner was equipped with a dedicated navigation system enabling the registration of additional imaging modalities (MRI, fMRI, CT) with the intraoperatively acquired data sets. These merged image data served as the basis for interventional planning and multimodal navigation. So far, the system has been used in 70 neurosurgical interventions (13 of which involved image data fusion--requiring 15 minutes extra time). The augmented navigation system is characterized by a higher frame rate and a higher image quality as compared to the system-integrated navigation based on continuously acquired (near) real time images. Patient movement and tissue shifts can be immediately detected by monitoring the morphological differences between both navigation scenes. The multimodal image fusion allowed a refined navigation planning especially for the resection of deeply seated brain lesions or pathologies close to eloquent areas. Augmented intraoperative orientation and instrument guidance improve the safety and accuracy of neurosurgical interventions.

Adult↗

Open MRI-guided microsurgery of intracranial tumours in or near eloquent brain areas.

OBJECTIVES: Preservation of brain function while maximizing resection is the main aim of brain tumour surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of intra-operative magnetic resonance imaging to preserve brain function in patients with tumours in or near eloquent brain areas. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Between August 1997 and January 1999 fifty-eight craniotomies for intracranial tumours or vascular malformations have been performed at the University of Leipzig using a 0.5 T superconducting MR system "SIGNA SP" (General Electric Medical Systems, USA). In 32 of these patients (15 male/17 female) with intracranial tumours, located in or near eloquent brain areas (sensorimotor cortex/speech center), 34 craniotomies were performed using the image guidance of the interventional MRI. RESULTS: Using intra-operative MRI criteria, complete tumour removal could be achieved in 28 (82%) of 34 procedures. In 3 patients only subtotal tumour removal was possible, because the residual tumour was not visible on the intra-operative MR images, but could be identified on early diagnostic follow-up MR-scans. In 3 patients, incomplete tumour resection was performed in order to avoid neurological impairment. In these patients intra-operative MR-images revealed residual tissue abnormalities involving or encroaching on deep brain structures or motor/language cortex. Pre-operative neurological status was unchanged in 24 patients (70%), worsened in 4 patients (12%) and improved in 6 patients (18%). CONCLUSIONS: Intra-operative MRI is helpful for navigation as well as to demonstrate the tumour margins to achieve a complete and safe resection of intracranial lesions located in or near eloquent brain areas. It enables an image based functional monitoring of the brain which is critical for motor, sensory or language function. Complications related to the surgical procedure are reduced and the risk of neurological deterioration due to tumour removal and postoperative complications is minimized.

Adult↗

Rivet-like titanium clamp fixation of cranial bone flaps during open magnetic resonance-guided neurosurgery.

A new implant technique for bone flap fixation after magnetic resonance image-guided neurosurgical procedures in the first vertical open 0.5T MRI scanner is described. Between May 1998 and December 1998 cranial bone flap refixation was performed in 20 patients using rivet-like titanium cranial bone flap fixation clamps. In all cases, a safe and solid refixation of the bone flap was achieved. Intraoperative and postoperative MRI quality was not influenced. Rivet-like titanium clamp bone fixation is a safe procedure which can be easily performed under the special circumstances during neurosurgical operations with interventional MRI.

Humans↗

Gross-total surgery of supratentorial low-grade gliomas under intraoperative MR guidance.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Length of survival of patients with low-grade glioma correlates with the extent of tumor resection. These tumors, however, are difficult to distinguish intraoperatively from normal brain tissue, often leading to incomplete resection. Our goal was to evaluate the effectiveness of intraoperative MR guidance in achieving gross-total resection. METHODS: We studied 12 patients with low-grade glioma who underwent surgery within a vertically open 0.5-T MR system. During surgery, localization of residual tumor tissue was guided by interactive, near real-time imaging. The amount of residual tumor tissue on MR images was evaluated at the point of the operation at which the neurosurgeon would have terminated the procedure under conventional conditions (first control) and again before closing the craniotomy. RESULTS: Significant residual tumor (more than 10% of original tumor volume) was shown in eight patients at the first control condition. The percentage of resection varied from 26% to 100% (mean, 68%) at this time. Twelve tissue samples from seven patients were obtained in areas identified as residual tumor on MR images. In 10 cases, the neuropathologic investigation confirmed the presence of residual low-grade glioma; in two cases, the borderzone of tumor was identified. In evaluating the final sets of images, we found total resection in six cases, over 90% resection in five cases, and 85% resection in one case (mean, 96%). CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of low-grade gliomas under intraoperative MR guidance provides improved resection results with maximal patient safety.

Adult↗

Open MRI-guided microsurgery of intracranial tumours. Preliminary experience using a vertical open MRI-scanner.

OBJECTIVES: A number of different image-guided surgical techniques have been developed during the past decade. None of these methods can provide the surgeon with information about the dynamic changes that occur intra-operatively. The development of open configurated MRI-scanners leads to new perspectives in the intra-operative management and resection control of intracranial tumours. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Using a vertical open 0.5 T MRI-scanner for intra-operative MR image guided neurosurgery, forty-four patients (20 female/24 male) with different intracranial tumours have been operated on since August 1997. The patients ranged in age from 20 to 70 years (mean +/- standard deviation = 47.2 +/- 15.9 ys). RESULTS: In 36 (82%) of 44 patients the tumours were completely removed with the aid of MR image-guidance. In 8 cases (18%) complete removal was not achieved. Postoperatively 6 (14%) of 44 patients developed neurological deficits which were transient in 5 cases (paresis, dysphasia). In these patients the tumours were located in or near eloquent brain areas (sensorimotor cortex/speech center). CONCLUSION: Intra-operative MRI is helpful for navigation as well as determining of tumour margins to achieve a complete and safe resection of intracranial lesions. Complications related to the surgical procedure are reduced and the risk of neurological deterioration due to tumour removal and postoperative complications is minimized. It can be concluded that the intra-operative application of interventional MRI technology may represent a major step foreward in the field of neurosurgery.

Adult↗

[Brain tumor resections in an open 0.5-T MRT. 2 years' experiences from the neuroradiological viewpoint].

After two years clinical experience using an open 0.5 T-MRI, which make it possible to control all steps of a brain tumor resection, the high expense in relation to the effect is proofed. In 80 MRI-guided brain tumor resections the indication, the degree of resection, the appearance of operative induced changes, complications and clinical state are analysed. The advantage of the method consists in safety of localisation and detection especially of intra-axial cerebral tumors, recording of intraoperative invisible tumor parts and saving eloquent areas during tumor resection. To have optimal results, all over the operation time, the participation of a special experienced radiologist is necessary. The best results are shown in treatment of low grade gliomas and tumors near eloquent areas.

Astrocytoma↗

Preliminary experience with interactive guided brain biopsies using a vertically opened 0.5-T MR system.

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of brain biopsies performed within a vertically opened MR system. We worked with the interventional 0.5-T MR "SIGNA SP" (General Electric Medical Systems, Milwaukee, Wis.) with an integrated tracking device "Flashpoint Position Encoder" (Image Guided Technologies, USA). As a holding device for this instrument we constructed a special frame. The whole system allows an exact adjustment of an optimum biopsy direction and guidance of the biopsy in a non-stereotactic, interactive mode in near real-time. As biopsy tools we used MR-compatible aspiration and specially made side-cut needles (Daum, Germany; E-Z-EM, USA). We performed a prospective diagnostic brain biopsy study in 18 patients. Guidance of the needle was carried out using gradient-echo single-slice technique. The sample was taken after controlling the exact position of the needle tip on spin-echo images. In 12 cases an exact neuropathological diagnosis was possible. In 6 cases of negative biopsy (4 aspiration biopsies) the samples were not representative. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of interactive MR-guided minimally invasive brain biopsies in an open MR system. The best results were achieved using cut needles for biopsies of contrast-enhancing lesions visible on T1-weighted gradient-echo guidance sequence.

Adult↗

Open MRI-guided neurosurgery.

OBJECTIVES: A number of different image-guided surgical techniques have been developed during the past decade. None of these methods can provide the surgeon with information about the dynamic changes that occur intra-operatively. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The first vertical open 0.5T MRI-scanner for intra-operative MRI-guided neurosurgery in Germany was installed at the University of Leipzig during the summer 1996. Since autumn 1996 a number of surgical procedures including biopsies (n = 31), craniotomies (n = 32), transsphenoidal procedures (n = 8) and interstitial lasertherapies (n = 3) have been performed using intra-operative MR image guidance. RESULTS: The development of MR-compatible and MR-safe non-magnetic instruments and components had to be solved. Specific surgical instruments were developed to perform biopsies, craniotomies, microsurgical tumour resections and transsphenoidal procedures in the 0.5-T open MRI. Several components required adaptation including the head holder the stereotactic navigation device, the high speed drill, the suction unit, the ultrasonic aspirator, the bipolar coagulation, the laser probe and the surgical microscope. All these newly developed technical features enable the neurosurgeon to perform a large number of surgical procedures under direct control and guidance of intra-operative MR imaging. In contrast to frame-based for framless navigation systems, intra-operative MRI provides accurate and immediate information during the progress of surgery. These intra-operative images allow definitive localization and targeting of the lesions and accommodate anatomical changes that may occur during surgery. CONCLUSION: Intra-operative MRI is helpful for navigation as well as determining of tumour margins to achieve a complete and safe resection of intracranial lesions. Complications related to the surgical procedure are reduced and the risk of neurological deterioration due to tumour removal and postoperative complications is minimized. It can be concluded that the intra-operative application of interventional MRI technology may represent a major step forward in the field of neurosurgery.

Biopsy↗

[MR-track pointer. A reusable device for localization during interventions].

PURPOSE: Development of an helpful instrument for a better planning and orientation during MR guided interventions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We developed a reusable, sterilizable instrument that can be filled both with a solution of Gd-DTPA (1%) and with a sodium chloride solution (0.9%). The pointer has a diameter of 3 and 5 mm resp. and its length is 100-150 mm. The instrument can be combined with an interactive stereotactic tracking device. RESULTS: The MR-Track-Pointer can be fixed to the two handpieces of the integrated interactive tracking system without problems. The pointer can be seen both on T1w and T2w sequences inside and outside of the tissue. This new instrument can be interactively used for reliable planning the biopsy trajectory, planning craniotomies and identifying structures which are only visible on MR images. CONCLUSIONS: The MR-Track-Pointer is an ideal supplement for the integrated virtual tracking system. It permits a minimal invasive orientation and facilitates the exact localisation of suspect lesions in sensible regions during MR guided interventions, e.g. diagnostic biopsies and tumour resections.

Biopsy↗

[Effect of local anesthetics on hemodynamic effects during Mayfield skull clamp fixation in neurosurgery using total intravenous anesthesia].

For neurosurgical procedures, the association between insertion of the Mayfield skull clamp and haemodynamic changes is generally recognized. We investigated the protective effect of two local anaesthetic substances (lidocaine and bupivacaine) under the conditions of total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) with propofol and alfentanil. Forty-two patients undergoing an elective craniotomy (tumor resection) were included in the study and randomly divided into three groups. All patients were given a total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol and aflfentanil. After induction, the skin areas for the pin were infiltrated with 0.9% sodium chloride (n = 14, control group 1), 1% lidocain (n = 14, group 2) or 0.5% bupivacaine (n = 14, group 3). After an interval of 1 to 2 minutes the pins were inserted. The intra-arterial line was inserted before induction. The haemodynamic parameters heart rate (HR), systolic arterial pressure (SAP), diastolic arterial pressure (DAP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were monitored continuously. The haemodynamic parameters were recorded at four set times: (1) after induction of anaesthesia, (2) at the onset of the local anaesthesia, (3) at the insertion of the pin-holder, (4) five minutes after insertion. Insertion of the pins led to a significant increase in HR, SAP, MAP and DAP in the control group. These haemodynamic changes can be reduced by local infiltration with lidocaine or bupivacaine. The effect of both substances was the same in our study. Our results suggest that a significant reduction of the haemodynamic effects caused by insertion of the Mayfield skull clamp can be achieved by the use of local anaesthesia. Total intravenous anaesthesia alone with propofol and alfentanil cannot protect against these haemodynamic stimuli.

Alfentanil↗

[Appearance of the resection area of brain tumors in intraoperative MRI imaging].

During MRI-controlled resection of brain tumors using an open MRI system, operation-induced alterations may occur, especially enhancement of the resection cavity wall. This may simulate tumor areas, resulting in false assessment of the resection or resection of non-tumorous areas. Based on 42 MRI- and biopsy-controlled brain tumor resections in an 0.5 T open MRI (Signa SP, GE), the appearance and origin of operation-induced reactions are analyzed. In our opinion, there is a superposition of preformed peritumoral reactions by operation-induced microcontusions. The beginning of the cavity wall enhancement needs at least 10-15 min. MRI-controlled analysis of the intraoperative steps by the neurosurgeon and neuroradiologist allows discrimination of operation-induced reactions from tumor areas and leads to safe operation.

Astrocytoma↗

[A new set for percutaneous implantation of the cardiac catheter in ventriculo-atrial shunt systems. A new technical note].

The percutaneous insertion of the atrial catheter for ventriculoatrial shunts reveals as a sufficient alternative method for the open surgical preparation of neck veins. The authors use a special set based on the Seldinger-Technique. The direct punction procedure of the internal jugular vein is a wellknown method in anaesthesia and intensive-care-medicine. First experiences show as well as a shorter operation times and better cosmetic results in the neck region.

Adult↗

[Incipient spinal cord compression syndrome due to a herniation of calcified intervertebral disk in a young girl].

Intervertebral disc calcification in childhood is rare. Calcifications are discovered by occasion during routine examinations of healthy children or evoke symptoms like neck and shoulder pain or discrete neurological symptoms. The prognosis of nearly all patients is excellent. We report on a 11-year-old girl, who suffered from acute pain in the neck and the left shoulder with increasing paresthesias of her left extremities which led to hospitalisation. Intervertebral disc calcifications were found between several cervical and thoracic vertebra. The only paraclinical finding was an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate. After 12 days of conservative and analgetic treatment the clinical condition deteriorated with acute worsening of the neck pain. The MRI revealed a posterior herniation of a calcified disc between the lower cervical spine with spinal cord compression. Immediate neurosurgical intervention led to decompression and disappearance of the symptoms. After 14 months the clinically healthy child only showed the persistence of one intervertebral disc calcification and a complete resolution of the former findings.

Calcinosis↗

The expression of angiogenin in tissue samples of different brain tumours and cultured glioma cells.

BACKGROUND: As a potential angiogenetic factor the 14.1 kDa polypeptide angiogenin induces neovascularisation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated the angiogenin expression by immunoblotting and an ELISA in 60 tissue specimens (40 gliomas, 20 other intracranial tumours), in 22 glioma cell cultures and in 4 supernantants of cultivated glioblastoma cells. RESULTS: We could show that angiogenin is detectable in different kinds of intracranial tumours with the highest amount in meningiomas and the lowest amount in low grade astrocytomas. In tissue specimens, a significantly higher angiogenin expression was measured in meningiomas compared to gliomas and metastases. Angiogenin could be detected in primary cultivated glioma cells, but not in the permanent cell lines. There was a significant correlation to the malignancy within the gliomas with an increase of angiogenin concentration according to the higher grade of malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that angiogenin may contribute to the malignant transformation of gliomas and could perhaps advise that the physiological role of angiogenin is not restricted exclusively to angiogenesis. Based on these findings the clinical importance of angiogenin for therapeutic decisions in malignant brain tumours remains unclear and further analyses on m-RNA-levels are required.

Brain Neoplasms↗