České Budějovice hospital becomes first in Czechia to use AI in brain surgery
A hospital in the south Bohemian city of České Budějovice has become the first in Czechia to perform brain surgery using a system that combines augmented reality, artificial intelligence and 3D glasses. The technology, currently used at only three centres worldwide, is designed to help neurosurgeons perform procedures with greater precision.
The new technology is designed to help surgeons insert an external ventricular drain, a small tube used to remove excess fluid from the brain and relieve pressure. The procedure is commonly performed in patients suffering from conditions such as brain haemorrhages, traumatic brain injuries or hydrocephalus, where pressure inside the skull can become dangerously high.
According to České Budějovice Hospital, it is only the third medical centre in the world to introduce the system, following hospitals in Amsterdam and Utrecht. The first procedure in Czechia was performed by neurosurgeon Martin Papík, who travelled to Utrecht earlier this year to train in using the new system.
"Before surgery, we create a three-dimensional holographic model of the patient using CT scans. We then mark several anatomical points on the patient's head to align the hologram with the real patient. Through special augmented reality glasses, I can see the planned trajectory of the drainage catheter directly on the patient's head during the procedure."
Rather than relying solely on anatomical landmarks on the outside of the head, surgeons can see a hologram of the patient's brain structures projected directly onto the patient's head. That allows them to guide the catheter more precisely, particularly in patients with very narrow ventricles or in those whose ventricles have been pushed out of their normal position by increased pressure inside the skull.
"The main advantage is greater accuracy. Traditionally, the surgeon uses anatomical landmarks, such as the nose and the ear, to estimate where the ventricle should be located. With augmented reality, we can see a three-dimensional model of the patient's ventricular system aligned directly with the patient's head, almost as if we could look inside the skull in real time."
Although the technology is still considered experimental, studies suggest it could improve the success rate of catheter placement while reducing the need for repeated attempts. For patients, that could mean a lower risk of complications such as bleeding, infection or damage to surrounding brain tissue.
Before the system could be introduced into clinical practice, it had to undergo extensive testing and meet strict safety and data protection requirements. Dr. Papík believes augmented reality and artificial intelligence are likely to become an increasingly important part of neurosurgery.
"I believe it has strong potential. At the moment, these technologies are useful for understanding complex anatomy and for planning surgical procedures before surgery. What is especially exciting is that we can now begin to use them during surgery as well."
Although the system has so far been used only in a small number of cases worldwide, doctors hope it will eventually make brain surgery safer by improving precision and reducing the risk of complications.
