Developing the Integrated Neurosurgery OR

Originally Published MDDI May 2002

R&D DIGEST

A key area in the development of operating room suites is to seamlessly integrate diverse technologies and equipment into a single system. Software must be compatible, and the technologies involved must provide a system that is reliable and easily accepted by surgeons.

BrainLab (Redwood City, CA) recently announced that it is developing such a system that incorporates equipment for image-guided surgery (IGS), intraoperative MRI, and visualization and data management technology. The resulting product is described as being a fully integrated neurosurgical operating suite.

Called the BrainSuite, the system uses the firm's VectorVision sky IGS, Siemens's Magnetom 1.5-T iMRI system, Zeiss's OPMI NC4 multivision microscopy equipment, and a large OR viewing wall.

In developing the suite, engineers focused on addressing challenges in standardization as well as software integration and implementation. Their goal was to provide an integrated solution that could improve the treatment of neurosurgery patients by increasing resection control, reducing reoperation rates, and providing quality assurance, according to the firm.

The company indicates that the VectorVision sky component is intended to provide control of the operative environment through use of a touch screen.

The BrainLab is considered to be a work in progress by the company. The firm is currently seeking 510(k) clearance for both the BrainLab and VectorVision sky systems.

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