BrainLAB shows its iPlan Neuroradiology
BrainLAB AG showcased its iPlan Neuroradiology, which provides advanced image processing tools for both diagnosis and planning, at RSNA 2006. The system — the company’s latest in its iPlan family — is now available.

iPlan Neuroradiology combines a large range of image analysis tools within one system, including image fusion of different modalities and segmentation algorithms for critical brain anatomy functionality. Functional data analysis is also enhanced with advanced fMRI (BOLD) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) algorithm capabilities.

“The ability to identify brain structures that are essential for important functions of the brain such as motor, sensory and language functions is the key to the safe treatment of any neurological tissue abnormality,” said Christoph Stippich, MD, Department of Neuroradiology, University of Heidelberg, Germany, in a statement released by BrainLab. “iPlan Neuroradiology gives physicians the ability to target specific areas in the brain with high precision while also facilitating the sharing of critical patient information across hospital departments, resulting in greater workflow optimization.”

The benefits of the iPlan Neuroradiology analytic capabilities can be seen from diagnosis through to the treatment stage. Anatomical and functional data gathered by radiologists for analysis can now be used for a comprehensive range of treatment solutions, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation oncology. Neurosurgeons can load the analyzed 3D brain anatomy into their intraoperative image guidance systems, providing detailed information of the brain right at their fingertips, whereas radiation oncologists can use it for radiation dose planning and delivery, BrainLAB said.

With iPlan Net, which is an extension of the BrainLAB planning software iPlan, physicians can access the diagnostic information from virtually anywhere. Hence, the technology facilitates the sharing of information across hospital departments, strengthening the multi-disciplinary treatment approach.

According to BrainLAB, the system may also hold the key to earlier diagnosis of other degenerative diseases that originate in the brain such as Alzheimer’s and stroke.

The company also demonstrated the capabilities of its Novalis Shaped Beam Surgery systems. The integrated treatment system shapes beams of focused high-energy radiation from all angles to deliver noninvasive, precise treatments that shrink or control the growth of tumor cells of the brain, head, neck, spine, liver, lung, and prostate. Novalis also is used to treat arteriovenous malformations and functional disorders. The technology offers the benefit of limiting harm to surrounding tissue. Novalis offers a wide range of treatment options for a large number of indications and is able to treat with single stage and in a frameless or frame-based mode. It also offers the option to treat with circular beams, conformal beams, dynamic conformal arcs, and IMRT.
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