Performing surgery within the brain entails an extraordinary level of complexityprecision. Traditionally, neurosurgeons have relied on preoperative imaging such as CTMR to determine the incision siteidentify the lesion based on visible anatomical landmarks, the approximate location of the pathology,their clinical experience. This approach often results in suboptimal localization, increasing the likelihood of targeting errors, intraoperative complications, extended surgical durations,greater surgical trauma.

A longstanding goal in neurosurgery has been to precisely localize intracranial lesionsallow surgeons to reach the target directlyaccurately. With advancements in technology, the “GPS system” of the brain—neuronavigation—has emergedis now widely applied in major neurosurgical centers. The neuronavigation system integrates multiple high-end technologies. Powered by robust computingadvanced 3D imaging software,grounded in satellite positioning theory, it uses infrared remote sensing to guide surgeons with real-time visualization of the surgical field. The system accurately delineates anatomical structures, identifies lesion boundaries,maps their spatial relationship to surrounding tissues.

Indications:

This technology is suitable for patients with intracranial tumors, functional neurosurgical conditions (e.g., trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm, epilepsy), cerebrovascular diseases, hydrocephalus, brain abscessesintracranial biopsies for undetermined lesions.

Technical Advantages:

Neuronavigation utilizes multi-image fusion technology, integrating anatomical images of tumors, functional cortex mapping,tractography to provide a comprehensive surgical guide. In combination with precise spatial localization, this technique facilitates complete resection of the lesion while preserving functional structures such as the cortexsubcortical fiber tracts. It plays a key role in preserving motor, language,visual functions, particularly in cases involving deep-seatedeloquent area lesions like astrocytomas, meningiomas, cavernous angiomas, metastases,brain abscesses. The implementation of this technology significantly improves patient outcomes, shortens hospital stays,enhances quality of life. Moreover, it broadens surgical indications, enabling more patients to undergo active surgical interventionbenefit from timely treatment.

Implementation at the Hospital:

As the neurosurgical center of southern Hunan, the Department of Neurosurgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China was the first in the region to introduce the Medtronic S7 Neuronavigation System in 2017. Since then, the department has accumulated extensive experience in intraoperative neuronavigation across a wide range of complex conditions, including intracranial tumors, functional neurosurgical disorders (e.g., trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm, epilepsy), cerebrovascular diseases, hydrocephalus, brain abscesses,stereotactic biopsies of intracranial lesions. This technology has enabled surgeons to operate in areas once considered inaccessible, achieving excellent surgical results. 

The use of neuronavigation marks a new era in modern minimally invasive neurosurgery. It maximizes resection accuracy, minimizes surgical trauma,enhances overall safety, offering patients the highest standard of care in neurosurgical procedures.