Superimposed holographic image-guided neurosurgery. Technical note.

Computerized tomography scanning-derived narrow band reflection holograms of patients undergoing craniofacial procedures were created to evaluate the applicability of superimposing these three-dimensional images (3-D) on the operative field during neurological surgery. These sterilized radiological holograms were positioned over the surgical site by using bone sutures as registration points between the skull and the 3-D image to serve as a visual template between the patient and surgeon. Surgeries were then performed with the surgeon looking through the radiological hologram at the patient. Holograms were accurate to within 2 mm (plus or minus) of the actual calvarial anatomy. The use of the holographic image as a visual guide during surgery eliminated intraoperative guesswork or free-handed contouring. To the author's knowledge, this is the first report of the superimposed holographic image used in situ during surgery.