Medical Technology
To maximize functional and reconstructive outcomes, the Cranial Base Program at University of Michigan utilizes the following medical technology:
Cerebral angiography is utilized to determine the vascular or blood supply to brain, head and neck region. This information becomes important in determining the proper treatment for various tumors and malformations.
Computed Tomography (CT) is a radiographic method that provides three dimensional visual reconstruction. This is helpful in treatment planning, development of reconstructive approaches, and post treatment follow up for some types of tumors.
Embolization involves the injection of radiographic coils into various key blood vessels through angiographic techniques. Vascular tumors, in some cases, can be dealt with more effectively if the blood flow is reduced pre-operatively.
Helical Computed Tomography (Helical CT) is a special type of CT that provides high speed, seamless imaging. This technique allows for detailed imaging of tumors and abnormalities of the cranial base region.
Intraoperative Cranial Nerve Monitoring allows identification and preservation of important cranial nerves. This is done by utilizing electrodes and computer aided monitoring.
Intraoperative Stereotactic Navigation Guide (Stealth) allows precise instrument localization during surgery to an accuracy of less than one millimeter. This is beneficial when dealing with cranial base tumors located on and adjacent to important nerves and blood vessels.
Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) utilizes Magnetic Resonance techniques to visualize vasculature or blood supply to the brain, head, and neck without requiring the use of formal angiography.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) involves the use of magnetic fields to image the soft tissues of the cranial base, head, and neck. No form of radiation is utilized in this procedure. MRIs are extremely helpful in treatment planning and also post treatment follow-up for many types of tumors.
Microton - Stereotactic Radiosurgery provides a very accurate method for the delivery of radiation to tumors. This submillimeter accuracy allows focused treatment minimizing radiation damage to surrounding tissues/structures.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a type of scanning technique that examines the metabolic activity in the various cranial base, head and neck structures. This is used in determining blood flow to the brain and in the close follow up of various types of tumors.
Somatosensory and Brain Stem Evoked Response Testing is a technique used preoperatively or intraoperatively to monitor nervous system activity along the brain stem. This is beneficial in determining preoperative brain stem compression due to tumor mass or other abnormalities as well as intraoperatively to minimize adverse outcomes.
