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Biomedical subjects

S J Goerss

Publications and source records attributed to S J Goerss.

18 recordsLinked to original sources

Awake craniotomy for aggressive resection of primary gliomas located in eloquent brain.

OBJECTIVE: To determine with intraoperative neurologic and language examinations the maximal tumor resection achievable with acceptable postoperative neurologic dysfunction in patients undergoing awake stereotactic glial tumor resection in eloquent regions of the brain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between October 1995 and December 2000, 65 patients underwent frameless stereotactic resection of glial tumors located in functioning tissue. During the resection, continuous examinations by a neurologist and speech pathologist were performed. The goal of surgery was to resect the maximum neurologically permissible tumor volume defined on preoperative T2 imaging. Tumor resection was stopped at the onset of neurologic dysfunction. Novel segmentation software was used to measure tumor cytoreduction based on pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. All patients underwent 3-month postoperative neurologic examinations to determine functional outcomes. RESULTS: The cortical and subcortical white matter tracts at risk for injury were the left frontal operculum in 15 patients, the central lobule in 38, the insula in 11, and the left angular gyrus in 1. Thirty-four (52%) had a greater than 90% reduction in T2 signal postoperatively. In 26 patients thought to have low-grade tumors based on preoperative imaging, 12 proved to have grade 3 gliomas. Forty-eight patients (74%) developed intraoperative deficits; 34 (71%) recovered to a modified Rankin grade of 0 or 1 at 3 months postoperatively, 11 (23%) achieved a modified Rankin grade of 2, and 3 patients (6%) achieved a modified Rankin grade of 3 or 4 at 3-month follow-up. There was no operative mortality; 17 patients (26%) died from tumor progression during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Combining frameless computer-guided stereotaxis with cortical stimulation and repetitive neurologic and language assessments facilitates tumor resection in functioning brain regions. Resecting tumor until the onset of neurologic deficits allows for a good functional recovery. Imaging software can objectively and accurately measure preoperative and postoperative tumor volumes.

Adult↗

Unilateral pallidotomy for Parkinson's disease: comparison of outcome in younger versus elderly patients.

We studied the effects of medial pallidotomy in the first 20 consecutive patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) undergoing this MRI/electrophysiologically guided procedure at our institution. The mean age of patients was 65.5 years (median 66.5) and none suffered any serious complications. Pallidotomy significantly improved motor function in both "on" and "off" states as measured by Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor scores and timed tests (Purdue pegboard and counter tapping) in the arm contralateral to surgery 3 months postoperatively. Patients also improved in terms of activities of daily living, reflected by improved UPDRS activity of daily living and complications of therapy scoring and reduced levodopa-induced dyskinesias; six of 11 patients who could not walk in an "off" state prior to surgery could do so postoperatively. The total UPDRS score improved by 22% from preoperative values. The aforementioned improvements occurred similarly in patients greater than (n = 11) or less than 65 years (n = 9) at surgery. Neuropsychological measures indicated that although the majority of cognitive function remains unchanged in right-handed PD patients following dominant (left) hemisphere pallidotomy, mild specific declines in word generation are present. The findings of this study suggest that unilateral pallidotomy is safe and associated with improved motor functioning in elderly as well as younger PD patients experiencing significant disability despite optimal medical therapy.

Adult↗

Quantitative analysis of a noninvasive stereotactic image registration technique.

Our group has developed and tested a noninvasive image registration technique that does not require a special imaging study following the application of a head frame or radiological markers on the patient. This registration method involves performing automatic alignment between segmented scalp reconstructions from CT or MRI fitted with are surfaces traced with the Regulus Navigator. This paper will present a quantitative analysis of this technique compared to other stereotactic and image-guided registration techniques. This noninvasive surface alignment technique has been found to be a viable, quick and accurate method of performing image-guided registration.

Algorithms↗

Three-dimensional display in the evaluation and performance of neurosurgery without a stereotactic frame: more than a pretty picture?

Display of three-dimensionally rendered images derived from radiological data sets is often suggested to be useful for surgical and radiation treatment planning in neurosurgery. Nevertheless, physicians will often note (off the record) that these rendered images are 'just a pretty picture' and are not clinically useful. This paper will discuss our three-dimensional rendering and quantitative analysis software and its primary use in evaluating and utilizing frameless stereotactic methodologies. A variety of concepts and techniques will be discussed. Specifically, a computer graphic and statistical-based technique will be presented that enables timely and measurable image registration between radiological image space and the coordinate system of computer-driven surgical devices in the operating room. This technique may be utilized to maintain a surgeon's orientation and to quantitatively and graphically monitor the position of probes and instruments in the surgical field. Three-dimensional quantitative results of phantom testing will be presented. Correlation to and validation against stereotactic imaging calculations using the compass stereotactic system will also be discussed. These computer graphic/statistical-based techniques are applicable for evaluating the accuracy of any frameless stereotactic device including, but not limited to robotic arms, spark gap, LED and magnetic field digitizers.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗

A stereotactic magnetic field digitizer.

A three-dimensional magnetic field digitizer has been interfaced the COMPASS Stereotactic System to act as a measuring device aiding in computer-assisted volumetric procedures. Reference points on the stereotactic headholder are used to create a transformation matrix to convert the digitizer coordinates to stereotactic coordinates, allowing the location of the stylus to be displayed on CT and reconstructed tumor volume images to maintain the surgeon's orientation. This technology is an adjunct to and employs treatment planning software of the system to calculate a target and determine a safe trajectory to a lesion. Environmental effects of the magnetic field have been studied to determine overall accuracy and reliability of the system. A device was developed to map the magnetic field in efforts to compensate for environmental effects. The device has been utilized on five procedures. We have found it to be a useful tool in aiding the surgeon in locating the surgical field preoperatively and maintaining orientation intraoperatively.

Humans↗

A new multimodality correlative imaging technique for VOP/VIM (VL) thalamotomy procedures.

This paper describes our experience at Mayo Clinic with a new technique for planning ventro-oralis posterior (VOP) ventral intermediate (ventrolateral) VIM (VL) thalamotomy procedures for selected patients with medically intractable tremor. This new method employs a multimodality correlative imaging technique for determining the lesion target point on MR images. At surgery, stereotactic frame settings for the final lesion target were ultimately determined by stereotactic ventriculography modified by neurophysiological recording. Acceptable correlation was found between the multimodality correlative imaging method and the actual target coordinates determined by ventriculography and semi-microelectrode recording.

Humans↗

Evolution of contemporary instrumentation for computer-assisted stereotactic surgery.

This article discusses the evolution of our stereotactic system which evolved from the commercially available Todd-Wells stereotactic instrument. The Todd-Wells frame was originally designed for radiographically based, functional neurosurgical procedures. We modified it for computed tomography compatibility and later devised localization systems for magnetic resonance imaging and digital angiography. Based on the limitations in the original design applying to our own set of requirements, including tumor stereotaxis, we totally redesigned the system around the arc-quadrant principle of the original Todd-Wells instrument. While this intermediate system was being used in our surgical practice, further limitations were noted and corrected in the system we presently use. The present stereotactic frame is completely interactive with an operating room computer system.

Brain Neoplasms↗

Computer-assisted stereotactic biopsy of intracranial lesions in pediatric patients.

A computer-assisted stereotactic biopsy technique has been used in 30 patient (ages 5 months to 16 years) with intracranial lesions (supratentorial in 23 and infratentorial in 7). The computer program integrates stereotactically gathered imaging data and permits preoperative planning of a biopsy trajectory. Diagnostic tissue was obtained in 27 cases. In 2 cases, therapeutic interventions--third ventriculostomy and cyst aspiration--were accomplished at the time of the biopsy. There were no major complications related to the procedure; however, 2 patients had transient neurologic deficits. Computer-assisted stereotactic biopsy is a valuable diagnostic procedure in the pediatric patient with an intracranial lesion.

Adolescent↗

Results of computed tomography-based computer-assisted stereotactic resection of metastatic intracranial tumors.

Forty-four patients underwent 45 computer-assisted stereotactic resections of intracranial metastases from various centrally located and deep-seated regions using methods described in this report and elsewhere. Gross total removal was achieved in all cases. There was no postoperative mortality (within 30 days). Postoperative neurological examinations revealed that: (a) of 26 who presented with preoperative neurological deficits, 13 were normal postoperatively, 7 were improved, 3 were unchanged, and 3 were worse; (b) 5 of 5 patients who had increased intracranial pressure preoperatively were normal postoperatively; and (c) 3 of 3 patients who had increased intracranial pressure and neurological deficit preoperatively were neurologically normal postoperatively. Nine of 10 patients who were neurologically normal preoperatively were normal postoperatively, and the other had transient upper extremity weakness after resection of a lesion in the contralateral motor strip. The 1-year survival in this group of patients was 62.5%. No local recurrence was noted in any patient. Computer-assisted stereotactic resection permits accurate localization of metastatic lesions and gross total resection from difficult locations with acceptable levels of morbidity.

Adult↗

Magnetic resonance imaging-based computer-assisted stereotactic resection of the hippocampus and amygdala in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy.

In patients with medically intractable complex partial seizures of temporal lobe origin, stereotactic amygdalohippocampectomy can now provide excellent results. Target structures can be accurately identified and completely resected with use of a carbon dioxide laser. In a series of 18 patients who underwent this computer-interactive procedure, all experienced a cessation or dramatic reduction in frequency of seizure activity. Because the inferior optic radiations are disrupted with use of the posterolateral approach, nondisabling postoperative visual field deficits always ensue. In addition, two of our patients who underwent left-sided procedures had transient minor speech problems, perhaps attributable to postoperative swelling of the lateral temporal lobe. Patients in whom a surface electroencephalogram discloses a posterior temporal focus of seizure activity are candidates for stereotactic amygdalohippocampectomy.

Adolescent↗

Computer-assisted stereotactic ventralis lateralis thalamotomy with microelectrode recording control in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Stereotactic ventralis lateralis thalamotomy can be performed in selected patients with medically intractable parkinsonian tremor and rigidity. New technology, including computed tomography-based stereotaxis and microelectrode recording techniques, provides a data base for precise localization of thalamic lesions tailored to each patient and thus reduces the risk associated with such a procedure. At our institution, 12 patients with medically intractable parkinsonian tremor have undergone this procedure; all experienced alleviation or cessation of the tremor and no permanent disabling neurologic sequelae.

Adult↗

Automated stereotactic positioning system.

An automated stereotactic machine has been interfaced to a surgical computer to complete a totally interactive surgical system capable of locating tumor volumes. Stepper motors, activated by the host computer, drive a three-dimensional slide to position the patient's head with respect to a fixed arc, locating the surgical target. Linear encoders on each axis create a closed-loop positioning system and a digital display for visual inspection of the slide's position. The 160-mm arc directs all instrumentation to its isocenter, regardless of the two angular settings, providing maximum freedom in selecting a safe trajectory to the target. Phantom test points compatible with computerized tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging were repeatedly scanned to determine the overall system accuracy, which approached 0.6 mm, depending on the spatial resolution of the image. This stereotactic device may be used to perform stereotactic laser craniotomies, biopsies, 192Ir implants for interstitial radiation, third ventriculostomies and functional procedures.

Equipment Design↗

Computer-interactive stereotactic resection of deep-seated and centrally located intraaxial brain lesions.

The carbon dioxide laser has been incorporated into a computer-interactive stereotactic system for precision resection of deep-seated intraaxial neoplasma defined by stereotactic computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. One hundred and ninety-seven procedures were performed on 191 patients having deep-seated lesions. Postoperative results have been satisfactory as regards the postoperative condition of the patient in consideration of the completeness of tumor removal achieved.

Brain Neoplasms↗

Computer-assisted stereotactic biopsy of intracranial lesions.

The use of a computer program that allows the integration of stereotactically gathered CT, MRI and digital angiographic data in the planning of a biopsy trajectory is described. This system has been used to perform 447 stereotactic biopsies in 439 patients. Intracranial hemorrhages occurred in three patients; combined morbidity and mortality was less than 1%. Incorporation of angiographic data and visualization of the surgical trajectory enhances the safety and accuracy of stereotactic biopsy of intracranial lesions.

Biopsy↗

The computer as a stereotactic surgical instrument.

We have developed methodology and stereotactic software for an operating room computer and imaging system. Patients undergo preoperative CT, MR and DSA imaging with their heads fixed in a stereotactic headholder. Localization systems attach to the headholder during the studies to create reference marks for computer transformation of points and volumes into three-dimensional stereotactic space. At the operating room computer console, the surgeon selects target points, avascular trajectories and tumour boundaries for volume reconstruction. Surgical approaches are simulated and target coordinates calculated. During surgery, the computer interactively monitors the position of stereotactically directed surgical instruments in relationship to the resident database along any viewing angle and conveniently superimposes the multiple data sources. We have found this system useful to provide rapid data acquisition and retrieval, accurate target point calculations, lesion volume reconstructions, and a convenient ability to reformat data from multiple sources in a manner useful to the surgeon and beneficial to the patient.

Angiography↗

Surgical options for patients with deep-seated brain tumors: computer-assisted stereotactic biopsy.

The histologic nature of deep-seated intracranial lesions can be determined by using a computer-assisted stereotactic biopsy technique. The procedures are performed with use of local anesthesia. A data base consisting of stereotactic computed tomographic scans and stereotactic cerebral angiography is acquired. Target coordinates and trajectory approach angles are calculated by using a computer system in the operating room. Since July 1984, 36 patients with a variety of pathologic lesions in various intracranial sites have undergone this procedure at our institution. Of the 36 patients thought to have neoplastic lesions preoperatively, 6 were found to have nonneoplastic lesions, information that was of importance in the therapeutic management of these patients. Of the 30 patients with tumors, 24 had astrocytomas of various grades, 3 had metastatic lesions, and an additional 3 had lymphomas. Computer-assisted stereotactic biopsy with arteriographic control is an accurate and relatively safe method of determining the histologic nature of any suspicious intracranial lesion.

Adenocarcinoma↗