ClearPoint Guidance System Increases Surgeons’ Ability to Pinpoint Targets During Neurosurgery
This is a demonstration of an MRI-guided deep brain stimulation lead placement procedure using ClearPoint Navigation System.
The ClearPoint Navigation System incorporates advanced surgical software and technology that makes it easier for surgeons to visualize medical images, plan out surgeries, and conduct the surgeries with pinpoint accuracy. It is designed to provide guidance for the placement and operation of instruments or devices during the planning and execution of neurosurgical procedures using 3D magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This is known as stereotactic guidance.
The ClearPoint system is intended as an integral part of procedures that have traditionally used stereotactic methodology. These procedures include biopsies and catheter and electrode insertion, including deep brain stimulation (DBS) lead placement, for treating epilepsy and seizures.
The ClearPoint Navigation System software is an intuitive, menu-driven software for surgical planning, navigation to target, and device delivery. The software and workstation coordinate with the scanner to use intraprocedural magnetic resonance images effectively. This provides real-time navigational instruction to guide the neurosurgeon to reach the desired anatomical target with a high degree of precision.
RWJBarnabas Health uses ClearPoint technology with the state’s only intraoperative MRI. Patients do not have to go to a separate department in the hospital to obtain MRI images during their surgery. This is a substantial benefit to patients in terms of reducing the length of the procedure and risk of infections.
How It Works
Simply put, minimally invasive procedures using ClearPoint include three phases:
- Decide. UsingClearPoint, the surgeon accurately locates targets in the brain and defines safe trajectories for the surgeon’s tools while accounting for real time shifts in brain anatomy.
- Guide. Neurosugeons observe progression of the device in real-time and adjust their tools to any changes as they occur.
- Confirm. Based on the exceptionally clear imaging, the surgeon can confirm precise placement of a device or therapy.
The ClearPoint Navigation System help surgeons at RWJBarnabas Health access targets deep inside the brain.
At RWJBarnabas Health, our highly skilled neurosurgeons are leading the way in implementing ever-advancing medical treatments to serve our patients better. To learn more about the ClearPoint Navigation System at RWJBarnabas Health, request an appointment with one of our neurosurgery specialists today.