Preliminary study on the application of multimodal image fusion technology to treatment of lesions within the spinal canal

Objective To conduct a preliminary study on the application of multimodal image fusion technology (MIFT) to treatment of lesions within the spinal canal. Methods From November 2015 to May 2016, a total of 11 patients with lesions within the spinal canal were admitted to Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital for surgical treatment aided by MIFT, and their data were retrospectively analyzed.The O-arm image system was utilized to acquire intraoperative three-dimensional CT images that were subsequently transferred to the navigation system for all patients except 1 casein which preoperative MRI and CT image were fused based on the posterior fossa bone. The image fusion of preoperative CT/MRI and intraoperative CT image was conducted using the Synergy Cranial software, and the reconstructed 3D model of the spine, tumors, vascular structures were employed to guide tumor localization of resection under navigation. Results In all 11 patients, lesions were successfully located and completely resected under microscope with the assistance of MIFT.The O-arm scanning and image fusion took about 5-7 min and 7-10 min, respectively.The navigation error was 0.9-5.3 mm with a mean of 1.9±1.0 mm. At the follow-up at 1 month post operations based on the McCormick scale, level Ⅰ was achieved in 9 cases, level Ⅱ in 1 case, and level Ⅳ in 1 case. Conclusion The application of MIFT could help locate the segments of spinal column and lesions within the spinal canal. Key words: Multimodal image fusion; Intra-spinal lesions; Neurosurgical procedures