3D scanning technology revolutionizes the accuracy of brain surgery
Mayo Clinic researchers have developed and tested a new technology based on 3D scanning of the surface of the head, which provides an unprecedented level of precision for deep brain surgery. This technology allows precise alignment of the patient’s head, features, and surgical fixation frame with brain images, achieving sub-millimeter accuracy, a difference that may be crucial in delicate neurological operations.
The results of the study were published in the Journal of Neurosurgery, and showed that this method is more accurate than traditional CT scanning, in addition to an important advantage: not exposing the patient to radiation.
How does the new 3D scanning technology work?
The methodology is based on:
Specialized cameras
Structured-Light Scanning technology
High-resolution 3D models of the patient’s face and fixation frame
These models are combined into an accurate spatial map that shows the patient’s head position inside the operating room. This map is then compared with previously captured brain images (MRI or CT), giving surgeons an instant, highly accurate guide to the target inside the brain.
Better accuracy than CT
The study showed:
Accuracy of the new system: 0.14 mm
Conventional CT resolution: 0.20 mm
Although the difference is only the width of the tip of a pencil, in brain surgery it can mean the difference between avoiding or injuring a sensitive area.
Great benefits for surgeons and patients
The researchers believe that the new system is capable of improving several complex procedures, such as:
Drainage of aggregates and fluids
Biopsies
It is also expected that:
Increases the safety of surgery
Shortens the operation time
Reduces cost
Improves patient experience
Provides high accuracy even in operating rooms that do not have a CT
Engineering-clinical collaboration behind innovation
The project combined Mayo Clinic’s engineering and neurology expertise.
D. Jaeun Sung
A computational biologist and AI researcher who led the engineering and computational side, he says:
“When engineers and neurosurgeons look at the same problem, we see different details—and that’s where inventions are born.”
D. Kendall Lee
A neurosurgeon who led the integration of technology into surgery, stresses its importance:
“The most critical steps in brain surgery begin before the procedure itself. This technology is fast, safe and accurate, and will clearly improve patient care.”
D. Basil Sharaf
A Mayo Clinic surgeon and lead author of the study, he predicts a more advanced future:
“Maybe in the future 3D scanning will become as simple as using a smartphone, especially with the support of artificial intelligence that will predict any subtle changes during the process.”
Next steps: Towards more artificial intelligence and clinical trials
The team is currently working on:
Adding artificial intelligence to increase the speed and accuracy of the system
Improve the devices used
Conducting extensive clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness of the technique in complex brain surgeries
Developing tools capable of instantly adapting to changes in brain position during surgery
