Home › Cell Biology › A Pipeline for 3D Multimodality Image Integration and Computer-assisted Planning in Epilepsy Surgery
Cell Biology JoVE (Open Access) Citable · DOI

A Pipeline for 3D Multimodality Image Integration and Computer-assisted Planning in Epilepsy Surgery

DOI: 10.3791/53450-v
What you'll learn
  • ✓ Integrate multimodal 3D medical imaging data for surgical planning
  • ✓ Segment and reconstruct brain anatomy from imaging datasets
  • ✓ Apply computer-assisted visualization to optimize epilepsy surgery approaches
  • ✓ Use custom software to extract neural structures and vasculature
Protocol

We describe the steps to use our custom designed software for image integration, visualization and planning in epilepsy surgery.

Difficulty
advanced
Total time
~4–6 hours per patient dataset (image acquisition to surgical plan)

Steps

1
Integrate and visualize multimodal imaging data

Load and align multiple imaging modalities (e.g., MRI, CT, angiography) into a unified 3D coordinate space. This step establishes the anatomical reference framework for subsequent analysis.

▶ 00:58
2
Segment anatomical regions of interest

Delineate pathological and critical anatomical structures from the integrated image stack using semi-automated or manual segmentation tools to identify seizure foci and eloquent cortex.

▶ 02:30
3
Generate three-dimensional brain model

Convert segmented image data into a volumetric or surface-based 3D brain reconstruction for interactive visualization and spatial understanding of surgical targets.

▶ 03:20
4
Extract neural surfaces and vascular anatomy

Isolate cortical surfaces and cerebral vasculature from the 3D model to visualize critical structures and plan surgical trajectories while minimizing vascular injury.

▶ 04:01
5
Perform computer-assisted surgical planning

Use the integrated 3D model to simulate surgical approaches, evaluate margin adequacy around epileptogenic zones, and optimize entry points to reduce complications.

▶ 04:54
6
Validate planning outputs and safety metrics

Review computed surgical plans against anatomical constraints and intraoperative considerations to confirm feasibility and reduced risk of adverse outcomes.

▶ 07:25
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