Jan Kaminsky

Publications of Jan Kaminsky

• Evaluation of μECoG electrode arrays in the minipig: experimental procedure and neurosurgical approach.

  Authors: Mortimer Gierthmuehlen, Tonio Ball, Christian Henle, Xi Wang, Joern Rickert, Markus Raab, Thomas Freiman, Thomas Stieglitz, Jan Kaminsky

  Journal of neuroscience methods. 08/2011; 202(1):77-86.

  Emerging research on brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) requires the development of animal models for testing implantable BMI electrodes. New models are necessary in order to characterize and test newlyEmerging research on brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) requires the development of animal models for testing implantable BMI electrodes. New models are necessary in order to characterize and test newly constructed electrodes in an acute environment, and their properties and performance need to be evaluated in long-term, chronic implantations. Owing to their availability, small size and neuroanatomical similarity to the human brain, minipigs are frequently used for neurological studies. Despite this fact, there are still no standardized experimental and neurosurgical procedures available for recording of cortical potentials using implantable BMI electrodes in minipigs, and, until now, it was unclear whether these animals could also be used for long-term subdural electrode implantations. We have therefore evaluated the potential use of minipigs for acute and chronic implantation of micro-electrocorticogram (μECoG) electrodes we newly developed for BMI applications and we present a standardized neurosurgical approach to the minipig's cerebral cortex. A neurophysiological setup is described which is suitable to perform recordings of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) with high spatial resolution - down to approx. 1-mm inter-electrode distance. Perioperative management, anesthesia and anatomical landmarks for electrode placement are discussed and common surgical pitfalls are described. While, due to their specific cranial anatomy, minipigs appear not optimally suited for chronic subdural implantations, the findings of the present study indicate that μECoG recording from the minipig cortex is a valuable new approach for acute in vivo characterization of subdural BMI electrode function.

• Use of Piezosurgery for internal auditory canal drilling in acoustic neuroma surgery.

  Authors: Juergen Grauvogel, Christian Scheiwe, Jan Kaminsky

  Acta neurochirurgica. 07/2011; 153(10):1941-7; discussion 1947.

  Piezosurgery is based on microvibrations generated by the piezoelectrical effect and has a selective bone-cutting ability with preservation of soft tissue. This study examined the applicability ofPiezosurgery is based on microvibrations generated by the piezoelectrical effect and has a selective bone-cutting ability with preservation of soft tissue. This study examined the applicability of Piezosurgery compared to rotating drills (RD) for internal auditory canal (IAC) opening in acoustic neuroma (AN) surgery. Piezosurgery was used in eight patients for IAC drilling in AN surgery. After exposition of the IAC and tumor, the posterior wall of the IAC was drilled using Piezosurgery instead of RD. Piezosurgery was evaluated with respect to practicability, safety, preciseness of bone cutting, preservation of cranial nerves, influences on neurophysiological monitoring, and facial nerve and hearing outcome. Piezosurgery was successfully used for selective bone cutting, while cranial nerves were structurally and functionally preserved, which could be measured by means of neuromonitoring. Piezosurgery guaranteed a safe and precise cut by removing bone layer by layer in a shaping way. Compared to RD, limited influence on neurophysiological monitoring attributable to Piezosurgery was noted, allowing for continuous neuromonitoring. No disadvantage due to microvibrations was noticed concerning hearing function. The angled tip showed better handling in right-sided than in left-sided tumors in the hands of a right-handed surgeon. The short, thick handpiece may be improved for more convenient handling. Piezosurgery is a safe tool for selective bone cutting for opening of the IAC with preservation of facial nerve and hearing function in AN surgery. Piezosurgery has the potential to replace RD for this indication because of its safe and precise bone-cutting properties.

• The impact of tinnitus and vertigo on patient-perceived quality of life after cerebellopontine angle surgery.

  Authors: Juergen Grauvogel, Jan Kaminsky, Steffen K Rosahl

  Neurosurgery. 09/2010; 67(3):601-9; discussion 609-10.

  Quality of life (QOL) has come into focus after treatment for cerebellopontine angle (CPA) lesions. This study compared subjective (tinnitus, vertigo) and objective (hearing loss, facial palsy)Quality of life (QOL) has come into focus after treatment for cerebellopontine angle (CPA) lesions. This study compared subjective (tinnitus, vertigo) and objective (hearing loss, facial palsy) results of CPA surgery with patient-perceived impairment of QOL. A retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of 48 patients operated on for either a vestibular schwannoma or a meningioma in the CPA was performed. Patient's subjective impairment of QOL by tinnitus, vertigo, hearing loss, and facial nerve palsy was assessed by a visual analog scale (VAS). Objective facial nerve and hearing function were determined using House-Brackmann and Gardner-Robertson classification systems, respectively. The return rate of questionnaires was 64.4%, with mean follow-up time of 417.2 (+/- 46.4) days. Mean preoperative tinnitus score was 2.5 (+/- 0.5) and increased to 4.6 (+/- 0.7) postoperatively (P < .01). The vertigo score increased from 2.0 (+/- 0.3) to 5.8 (+/- 0.6) (P < .001). Pre- and postoperative values for hearing loss were 3.4 (+/- 0.6) and 5.9 (+/- 0.7), respectively (P < .01), and for facial nerve palsy 0.7 (+/- 0.4) compared with 3.1 (+/- 0.6) postoperatively (P < .01). House-Brackmann grade 1 or 2 was determined in 87.1% of patients before and in 80.6% after surgery. Serviceable hearing (Gardner-Robertson classes I-III) was found in 75% before and in 64.3% after surgery. Preservation of facial nerve and hearing function are not the only important criteria defining QOL after CPA surgery. Tinnitus and vertigo may have a significant underestimated impact on the patient's postoperative course and QOL.

• Microsurgical approach to the spinal canal in rats.

  Authors: Mortimer Gierthmuehlen, Thomas M Freiman, Dominik Elverfeldt, Jan Kaminsky

  Journal of neuroscience methods. 02/2010; 188(2):295-301.

  The spinal cord of the rat has become a widely used model for biodynamic, pharmaceutical and neurological experiments. However, no standard procedure to approach the spinal cord in rats has beenThe spinal cord of the rat has become a widely used model for biodynamic, pharmaceutical and neurological experiments. However, no standard procedure to approach the spinal cord in rats has been published in detail. We present a description of a dorsal approach to the spine, spinal canal and myelon of the rat. This approach provides sufficient exposure of the neural structures to perform extended microsurgery at the spinal nerve-roots, the lateral and dorsal myelon and vertebral structures under a surgical microscope. Perioperative management, anaesthesia and anatomical landmarks are discussed and common pitfalls are described.

• A Rare Case of Radiologically Not Distinguishable Coexistent Meningioma and Vestibular Schwannoma in the Cerebellopontine Angle - Case Report and Literature Review.

  Authors: Juergen Grauvogel, Tanja Daniela Grauvogel, Christian Taschner, Sandra Baumgartner, Wolfgang Maier, Jan Kaminsky

  Case reports in neurology. 01/2010; 2(2):111-117.

  BACKGROUND: The simultaneous occurrence of cerebellopontine angle (CPA) meningioma and vestibular schwannoma (VS) in the absence of neurofibromatosis type 2 or history of irradiation is very rare. WeBACKGROUND: The simultaneous occurrence of cerebellopontine angle (CPA) meningioma and vestibular schwannoma (VS) in the absence of neurofibromatosis type 2 or history of irradiation is very rare. We report a case with coexistent CPA meningioma and VS, which were radiologically not distinguishable in preoperative imaging. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 46-year-old female presented with acute hearing loss, tinnitus and gait ataxia. Otorhinolaryngological diagnostic workup and imaging studies showed an intra- and extrameatal homogenous contrast enhancing lesion. The neuroradiological diagnosis was VS. The patient was operated via the retrosigmoid approach. INTRAOPERATIVELY TWO DISTINCT TUMORS WERE FOUND: a small, mainly intrameatally located VS and a larger meningioma originating from the dura of the petrous bone. Both tumors were completely microsurgically removed. The patient experienced no new neurological deficit after surgery; particularly facial nerve function was completely preserved. Histopathological examination revealed a fibromatous meningioma and a VS, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The coincidental occurrence of CPA meningioma and VS is very rare. Careful interpretation of imaging studies before surgery is crucial. Even such rare cases should be kept in mind when discussing the therapeutic options with the patient. More studies are needed for a better understanding of mechanisms leading to multiple tumor growth.

• Surgical removal of a symptomatic paracondylar process.

  Authors: Mukesch J Shah, Jan Kaminsky, Vassilios I Vougioukas

  Journal of neurosurgery. Spine. 06/2009; 10(5):474-5.

  The paracondylar process is a rare congenital abnormality of the craniocervical junction that has been identified as a causative agent for severe headache, neck pain, and restricted head movement.The paracondylar process is a rare congenital abnormality of the craniocervical junction that has been identified as a causative agent for severe headache, neck pain, and restricted head movement. Although conservative treatment is usually sufficient, the authors report the case of a symptomatic paracondylar process in a young patient who required surgical intervention.

• Giant cell reparative granuloma of the temporal bone.

  Authors: Melanie Menge, Wolfgang Maier, Friedrich Feuerhake, Jan Kaminsky, Jens Pfeiffer

  Acta neurochirurgica. 03/2009;

  Giant cell reparative granuloma (GCRG) is an uncommon non-neoplastic reactive tumor that occurs almost exclusively within the mandible and maxilla and can be locally aggressive. Only sporadic casesGiant cell reparative granuloma (GCRG) is an uncommon non-neoplastic reactive tumor that occurs almost exclusively within the mandible and maxilla and can be locally aggressive. Only sporadic cases involving the skull base have been reported. However, this lesion is probably underappreciated because it might be unrecognized or misdiagnosed. We present a case of GCRG of the left temporal bone that was treated surgically via a combined transtemporal-subtemporal approach. A short literature review about diagnosis, clinical behavior and treatment of this tumor entity is given.

• Auditory rehabilitation after long-term deafness.

  Authors: Alireza Gharabaghi, Hubert Löwenheim, Stefan Heckl, Andrei Koerbel, Jan Kaminsky, Marcos Tatagiba

  Neurosurgery. 05/2008; 62(4):983-5; discussion 985-6.

  OBJECTIVE: The duration of preexisting profound deafness in patients with bilateral retrocochlear lesions is known to correlate negatively to the extent of auditory restoration after auditoryOBJECTIVE: The duration of preexisting profound deafness in patients with bilateral retrocochlear lesions is known to correlate negatively to the extent of auditory restoration after auditory brainstem implantation. There is, therefore, a lack of information regarding the potential of the central auditory system to mediate hearing perception after long-term deafness. METHODS: The authors evaluated auditory perception in a case of auditory brainstem implantation after 35 years of deafness. RESULTS: Electrically evoked auditory brainstem potentials could be elicited by both stimulus polarities and were consistent with auditory brainstem origin. Discrimination between temporal and spectral patterns in speech could be achieved. This permitted us to distinguish various voice qualities, especially of familiar speakers in quiet surroundings. CONCLUSION: The potential of the deafferentiated central auditory system to mediate auditory brainstem implant-induced hearing perception even after very long-term deafness has been demonstrated. Those patients with complete dysfunction of Cranial Nerve VIII for a long period may be considered as candidates for auditory brainstem implantation in the future.

• 47-year-old woman with a clival mass.

  Authors: Rudi Beschorner, Andrei Koerbel, Jens Schittenhelm, Jan Kaminsky, Hubert Loewenheim, Eva Bueltmann, Marcos Tatagiba, Richard Meyermann, Manfred Wehrmann

  Brain pathology (Zurich, Switzerland). 02/2008; 18(1):100-2, 141.

• Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the ulnar nerve. Case report and review of the literature.

  Authors: Jens Schittenhelm, Jan Kaminsky, Richard Meyermann, Michel Mittelbronn

  Journal of neurosurgery. 07/2007; 106(6):1075-9.

  Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors with involvement of cranial and peripheral nerves are exceedingly rare. The authors present the case of a 67-year-old man with an inflammatory myofibroblasticInflammatory myofibroblastic tumors with involvement of cranial and peripheral nerves are exceedingly rare. The authors present the case of a 67-year-old man with an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the left ulnar nerve, which was identified intraoperatively and mimicked a malignant neoplastic lesion. Histopathological examination revealed loosely structured fibrous tissue and collagen deposits intermingled with patchy infiltrates of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and histiocytes penetrating the endo- and epineurium of the affected nerve fascicles. There was strong expression of vimentin and actin in spindle cells throughout the lesion. The histiocytes were CD68- and major histocompatibility complex class II-positive, but lacked CD1a expression. A review of the literature revealed nine histopathologically confirmed cases of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors involving peripheral or cranial nerves in which slight differences in histopathological features and surgical management were found, which are discussed here.

• Image-guided sphenoid wing meningioma resection and simultaneous computer-assisted cranio-orbital reconstruction: technical case report.

  Authors: Carsten Westendorff, Jan Kaminsky, Ulrike Ernemann, Siegmar Reinert, Jürgen Hoffmann

  Neurosurgery. 03/2007; 60(2 Suppl 1):ONSE173-4; discussion ONSE174.

  OBJECTIVE: Resection of large intraosseous sphenoid wing meningiomas is traditionally associated with significant morbidity. Rapid prototyping techniques have become widely used for treatmentOBJECTIVE: Resection of large intraosseous sphenoid wing meningiomas is traditionally associated with significant morbidity. Rapid prototyping techniques have become widely used for treatment planning. Yet, the transfer of a treatment plan into the intraoperative situs strongly depends on the experience of the individual surgeon. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: Extensive resection with orbital decompression was planned and performed on the basis of rapid prototyping and surgical navigation techniques in a 44-year-old woman presenting with a large sphenoid wing meningioma on the right infiltrating the orbit. RESULTS: Tumor resection was simulated on a stereolithography model of the patient's head. The stereolithography model was scanned using computed tomography (CT) and the defect geometry was used to create a custom-made titanium implant. The implant consisted of a solid titanium core and a spot-welded titanium mesh surrounding the core, allowing for minor intraoperative adjustments of the implant size by reducing the mesh size. The stereolithography model with the incorporated implant was CT scanned again and the CT data were fused with the patient's original CT data. The implant borders indicating the resection borders were marked within the patient's CT data set. This treatment plan was transferred to an optical navigation system. Intraoperatively, tumor resection was performed using surgical navigation. CONCLUSION: In the presented case report, the combination of computer-assisted planning using rapid prototyping techniques and image-guided surgery allowed for an extensive tumor resection precisely according to a preoperative treatment plan in a patient presenting with a large intraosseous sphenoid wing meningioma. A larger clinical series with a long-term follow-up period will be needed to determine the reproducibility.

• Placement of intraventricular catheters using flexible electromagnetic navigation and a dynamic reference frame: a new technique.

  Authors: Thomas Rodt, Gregory Köppen, Martin Lorenz, Omid Majdani, Martin Leinung, Soenke Bartling, Jan Kaminsky, Joachim K Krauss

  Stereotactic and functional neurosurgery. 02/2007; 85(5):243-8.

  BACKGROUND: Catheterization of narrow ventricles may prove difficult resulting in misplacement or inefficient trials with potential damage to brain tissue. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The application of aBACKGROUND: Catheterization of narrow ventricles may prove difficult resulting in misplacement or inefficient trials with potential damage to brain tissue. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The application of a new module for navigated ventricular catheterization using flexible electromagnetic navigation and a dynamic reference frame is presented. RESULTS: Navigated catheter placement was successful and accurate in a pilot study. Electromagnetic interferences had to be taken into consideration. CONCLUSION: Flexible electromagnetic navigation with a dynamic reference frame is a useful tool for catheter placement as it reduces the risk of misplacement or repeated catheterization trials.

• The impact of petrosal vein preservation on postoperative auditory function in surgery of petrous apex meningiomas.

  Authors: Alireza Gharabaghi, Andrei Koerbel, Hubert Löwenheim, Jan Kaminsky, Madjid Samii, Marcos Tatagiba

  Neurosurgery. 08/2006; 59(1 Suppl 1):ONS68-74; discussion ONS68-74.

  OBJECTIVE: The importance of preserving the superior petrosal vein has received increasing attention in the surgical treatment of pathologies involving the petrous apex. Recent reports haveOBJECTIVE: The importance of preserving the superior petrosal vein has received increasing attention in the surgical treatment of pathologies involving the petrous apex. Recent reports have associated postoperative auditory nerve dysfunction with petrosal vein sacrifice. However, there is no systematic clinical study available thus far focusing on the postoperative auditory function after petrosal vein obliteration. METHODS: In 55 patients with meningiomas involving the petrous apex, pre- and intraoperative findings including petrosal vein sectioning were analyzed retrospectively concerning their impact on postoperative auditory function. RESULTS: The petrosal vein was preserved in 26 (47%) cases. In 27 (49%) cases, this vein was not preserved. Hearing loss occurred in 11% of all cases. In the preserved-vein group, postoperative hearing loss occurred in 3 of 26 (11%) cases and in the sacrificed-vein group in 3 of 27 (11%) cases. CONCLUSION: Sacrifice of the petrosal vein during surgery of petrous apex meningiomas seems not to have an impact on postoperative auditory function.

• The impact of hypotension due to the trigeminocardiac reflex on auditory function in vestibular schwannoma surgery.

  Authors: Alireza Gharabaghi, Andrei Koerbel, Amir Samii, Jan Kaminsky, Henning von Goesseln, Marcos Tatagiba, Madjid Samii

  Journal of neurosurgery. 04/2006; 104(3):369-75.

  OBJECT: Surgical manipulation of the fifth cranial nerve during its intra- or extracranial course may lead to bradycardia or even asystole as well as arterial hypotension, a phenomenon described asOBJECT: Surgical manipulation of the fifth cranial nerve during its intra- or extracranial course may lead to bradycardia or even asystole as well as arterial hypotension, a phenomenon described as the trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR). The authors studied the impact of this reflex on postoperative auditory function in patients undergoing vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery. METHODS: One hundred patients scheduled for VS surgery were studied prospectively for parameters influencing the postoperative auditory function. The evaluation included sex, age, pre- and postoperative auditory function, preoperative mean arterial blood pressure, preoperative medical diseases or medication (for example, antiarrhythmia drugs), tumor size and localization, and the intraoperative occurrence of the TCR. The TCR, which occurred in 11% of the patients, influenced the postoperative hearing function in the patients with Hannover Class T3 and T4 VSs. With an overall hearing preservation of 47%, 11.1% of the patients in the TCR group and 51.4% of those in the non-TCR group experienced preserved hearing function postoperatively. In cases involving larger tumors (Hannover Class T3 and T4), an intraoperative TCR was associated with a significantly worse postoperative hearing function during VS surgery (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The hypotension following TCR is a negative prognostic factor for hearing preservation in patients undergoing VS surgery. Patients' knowledge of this can be increased pre- and postoperatively. Further study of this phenomenon will advance the understanding of the underlying mechanisms and may help to improve hearing preservation by controlling the occurrence of the TCR.

• Nausea and dizziness after vestibular schwannoma surgery: a multivariate analysis of preoperative symptoms.

  Authors: Lennart H Stieglitz, Amir Samii, Jan Kaminsky, Alireza Gharabaghi, Madjid Samii, Wolf O Lüdemann

  Neurosurgery. 12/2005; 57(5):887-90; discussion 887-90.

  OBJECTIVE: Nausea and dizziness are very discomforting for patients after vestibular schwannoma surgery and they impair recovery. METHODS: To identify preoperative symptoms and conditions thatOBJECTIVE: Nausea and dizziness are very discomforting for patients after vestibular schwannoma surgery and they impair recovery. METHODS: To identify preoperative symptoms and conditions that increase the risk of development of nausea after vestibular schwannoma surgery, a multivariate analysis was performed. One hundred fifteen patients with vestibular schwannoma had a microsurgical tumor removal in a standardized procedure in 2001 and 2002. Eighteen patients were excluded from the study because of previous surgery (recurrent tumors, 7 patients) or bilateral tumor occurrence (neurofibromatosis, 11 patients). Analysis was performed regarding postoperative amount of antiemetic medication, vomiting, and subjective feeling of the patient. Tumor grading, body mass index, sex, previous complaints, examination at admission, and side of the tumor were taken in consideration. RESULTS: Women had significant longer postoperative complaints (mean, 3.0 d; standard error, 0.47) and needed longer antiemetic therapy (mean, 3.3 d; standard error, 0.49) than men (mean, 1.72 d; standard error, 0.21). Patients developing no significant postoperative complaints were all in the higher tumor grading group, Grades 3a, 4a, and 4b. There was a significant difference in the duration of antiemetic therapy between tumors graded 1 and tumors graded 3 or 4. Patients with a positive stepping test preoperatively had a tendency to demand less antiemetic medication. Women with small tumors are most likely to develop significant complaints after vestibular schwannoma surgery. CONCLUSION: It is possible to identify patients with a higher risk of postoperative nausea and dizziness after vestibular schwannoma surgery. This allows one to inform these patients preoperatively and to initiate an early postoperative drug therapy to ease their symptoms.

• A universal algorithm for an improved finite element mesh generation Mesh quality assessment in comparison to former automated mesh-generators and an analytic model.

  Authors: Jan Kaminsky, Thomas Rodt, Alireza Gharabaghi, Jan Forster, Gerd Brand, Madjid Samii

  Medical engineering & physics. 07/2005; 27(5):383-94.

  The FE-modeling of complex anatomical structures is not solved satisfyingly so far. Voxel-based as opposed to contour-based algorithms allow an automated mesh generation based on the image data.The FE-modeling of complex anatomical structures is not solved satisfyingly so far. Voxel-based as opposed to contour-based algorithms allow an automated mesh generation based on the image data. Nonetheless their geometric precision is limited. We developed an automated mesh-generator that combines the advantages of voxel-based generation with improved representation of the geometry by displacement of nodes on the object-surface. Models of an artificial 3D-pipe-section and a skullbase were generated with different mesh-densities using the newly developed geometric, unsmoothed and smoothed voxel generators. Compared to the analytic calculation of the 3D-pipe-section model the normalized RMS error of the surface stress was 0.173-0.647 for the unsmoothed voxel models, 0.111-0.616 for the smoothed voxel models with small volume error and 0.126-0.273 for the geometric models. The highest element-energy error as a criterion for the mesh quality was 2.61x10(-2) N mm, 2.46x10(-2) N mm and 1.81x10(-2) N mm for unsmoothed, smoothed and geometric voxel models, respectively. The geometric model of the 3D-skullbase resulted in the lowest element-energy error and volume error. This algorithm also allowed the best representation of anatomical details. The presented geometric mesh-generator is universally applicable and allows an automated and accurate modeling by combining the advantages of the voxel-technique and of improved surface-modeling.

• Reliability of a new adjustable shunt device without the need for readjustment following 3-Tesla MRI.

  Authors: Wolf Lüdemann, Steffen K Rosahl, Jan Kaminsky, Madjid Samii

  Child's nervous system : ChNS : official journal of the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery. 04/2005; 21(3):227-9.

  INTRODUCTION: 3-Tesla (T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers high resolution imaging with improved signal quality. It also allows for improved functional investigations, most prominently withINTRODUCTION: 3-Tesla (T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers high resolution imaging with improved signal quality. It also allows for improved functional investigations, most prominently with respect to fiber tracts and their relation to pathological lesions. Up to now, patients with adjustable shunt systems were not eligible for high field power magnetic resonance imaging. We have evaluated the effects of this technique upon a newly developed adjustable shunt valve. METHOD: Ten adjustable shunt devices were examined during routine and functional 3-T high field MRI examinations. Pressure settings were checked after 17 examinations each for all valves. There were no changes in pressure setting at all possible levels in any of the tested devices. No problems with the adjusting mechanism were observed during 340 examinations. CONCLUSION: This new shunt device offers the diagnostic benefit of high field magnetic resonance imaging in shunt-dependent patients who need an adjustable valve. The valve is not affected by higher magnetic field power and does not require readjustment of the pressure settings after MRI examination.

• Specially adapted interactive tools for an improved 3D-segmentation of the spine.

  Authors: Jan Kaminsky, Petra Klinge, Thomas Rodt, Martin Bokemeyer, Wolf Luedemann, Madjid Samii

  Computerized medical imaging and graphics : the official journal of the Computerized Medical Imaging Society. 05/2004; 28(3):119-27.

  For imaging purposes of the spine, segmented image data provides the basis for a variety of modern clinical applications. However, the anatomical complex structure of the spine as well as theFor imaging purposes of the spine, segmented image data provides the basis for a variety of modern clinical applications. However, the anatomical complex structure of the spine as well as the extensive degenerative bony deformations apparent in the clinical situation, generally complicate the application of a fully automated segmentation. To serve the special needs for image segmentation of the spine anatomy a newly developed software system is presented, that implements specially adapted interactive tools, taking its 'axis'-skeletal structure into account. A standardized protocol combines the newly developed interactive tools (rotation transformation, warped dissection plane) with standard segmentation tools to provide both a fast and accurate segmentation procedure. The introduced software environment has been valuable for the segmentation of cervical, thoracic and lumbar spines segments based on clinical routine and research images.

• 3D segmentation and finite element modelling of spine segments

  Authors: Jan Kaminsky, Petra Klinge, Martin Bokemeyer, Madjid Samii

  International Congress Series.

  For imaging purposes of the spine, segmented image data provide the basis of modern medical applications. Among them, finite element (FE) modelling for biomechanical analysis represents a promisingFor imaging purposes of the spine, segmented image data provide the basis of modern medical applications. Among them, finite element (FE) modelling for biomechanical analysis represents a promising tool in decision making and optimizing individual therapy in the future. Both the anatomical complex structure of the spine and the degenerative bony deformations apparent in the clinical situation complicate the application of fully automated segmentation and finite element modelling. We developed a software system that was specifically adapted to the spine anatomy, and enables a fast and accurate segmentation. That is provided by special adapted segmentation tools, taking the “axis”-skeletal structure of the spine into account (rotation transformation and warped dissection plane). Specifically bony parts with extensive degeneration can be presented with sufficient accuracy. The segmented data were further processed with a fully automatic FE model generation software. Compared to other automated model generators, the described system allows a more reliable representation of anatomical boarders without smoothing inaccuracies. The software was successfully applied to 30 cervical, thoracic and lumbar spines. Based on the present software environment, setup of multi-modal (CT- and MRI data-based) geometric models is a key of future investigation.