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Short Technology Guide (for Non-Technical Readers)

  1. Department of Neurosurgery
  2. Information for patients
  3. Disease patterns and therapies in an interdisciplinary context
  4. High-Tech and AI in the Operating Room: How Augmented Reality, Intraoperative MRI, and Neuronavigation Are Making Neurosurgery Safer
  5. Short Technology Guide (for Non-Technical Readers)
The Technology Behind Neuronavigation, Augmented Reality, and Intraoperative MRI

The following definitions provide a compact overview of key technologies in modern neurosurgery. These tools are now routinely used in the operating room to help surgeons perform procedures precisely, safely, and in a controlled manner. The brief explanations show clearly what each system does and how it benefits surgery—even without technical background knowledge.

  • Neuronavigation: The “GPS” of the operating room. Registers the surface of the head and reference markers, showing the position of surgical instruments relative to MRI/DTI/fMRI data.

  • Augmented Reality (AR): Overlays contours of tumors, vessels, and fiber tracts directly in the microscope eyepiece (HUD), keeping the surgeon’s gaze focused on the surgical field.

  • Intraoperative MRI (iMRI): Provides control during surgery: Has all target tissue been removed? Allows an immediate “second look” if needed to complete the resection.

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