Brain Tumor Anatomy with Tractography Fluorescence and Confocal Endoscopy

Abstract

Tractography fluorescence and confocal endomicroscopy are complementary technologies to targeted tumor resection, and it is certain that as our technology for fluorescent probes continues to evolve, the confocal microscope will continue to be refined. Recent work suggests that intraoperative high-resolution augmented reality endomicroscopy, a real-time alternative to invasive biopsy and histopathology, has the potential to better quantify tumor burden at the final stages of surgery and ultimately to improve patient outcomes when combined with wide-field imaging approaches. Additional studies are needed to further elucidate the clinical benefits of these new technologies for brain tumor patients.

Keywords: Brain tumor; Confocal endomicroscopy; Extent of resection; High-resolution microscopy; Histopathology; Tractography fluorescence.