Current intraoperative MRI technologies for neurosurgical field and its future directions

Abstract

Integrated imaging equipment offers many advantages in neurosurgical procedures. Today more than 100 intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) units have been installed in hospitals worldwide. Intraoperative MRI is an important tool for brain tumor surgery, because it compensates for brain shift, allows accurate navigation, and provides information about the tumor remnant. This information enables neurosurgeons to perform real-time image-guided surgery. Currently, the MRI technique is used not only for imaging but also in monitoring of intracranial physiological factors such as cerebrospinal fluid flow and brain tissue temperature. This article discusses planning for installation of intraoperative MRI, the advantages of low and high field magnets, MRI safety for intraoperative procedures, and the use of intraoperative imaging for brain tumor surgery. Additionally, we describe prospective uses of intraoperative MRI, such as focused ultrasound system to deliver ablation to various intracranial lesions and an opening in the blood brain barrier.