<title>Intraoperative localization using a three-dimensional optical digitizer</title>

Frame based stereotactic surgery allows the surgeon to precisely approach a predetermined target. Although useful for diagnostic and functional procedures, mechanical instruments fail to indicate position quickly during open craniotomy. We have developed a system employing an infrared optical digitizer to indicate position on either CT, MRI, or PET scans. The system consists of a base ring attached to the patient's head during surgery, hand held instruments of any type, a camera array, and a computer display. Light emitting diodes on the instruments and head ring are tracked by three linear CCDs suspended over the surgical field. The position of the surgical instrument relative to the patient's head is computed by a personal computer. Surgical position is indicated on an individual CT, MRI, or PET slice. A graphics workstation provides three dimensional display of position.