Ziehm, BrainLAB extend intra-operative 3D imaging deal

Ziehm Imaging and BrainLAB have extended their development and marketing agreement for the integration of mobile 3D C-arms and computer-assisted surgery (CAS) to North America.

In 2007, both companies established full compatibility of Ziehm Vision2 Vario 3D--Ziehm Imaging's C-arm--with all mobile BrainLAB platforms for 3D intra-operative imaging in Europe.

The combination of both technologies offers surgeons better orientation in the OR and enables minimally invasive surgeries with less radiation and higher accuracy, according to the firms. Ziehm Vision2 Vario 3D and BrainLAB CAS platforms are designed to assist with a wide variety of medical procedures, including spine and trauma, cranio-maxillofacial and neurosurgery, according to both companies.

While the Vario 3D can be used as a conventional 2D mobile C-arm during fluoroscopic interventions, it can also be used at any time during surgery to obtain additional 3D views. BrainLAB technology can automatically register the intra-operative 3D images without surgeon interaction. The result allows navigation of surgical tools relative to the intra-operative images, increasing their utility.

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