Automatic segmentation of the optic tracts for computer assistance of deep brain stimulation procedures.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical treatment involving the implantation of a medical device called a brain pacemaker, which sends electrical impulses to specific regions of the brain for treatment of movement disorders. Because of the small size of the surgical target and possible shift of the deep brain structures due to air invasion when the dura is opened, intra-operative adjustment of the surgical approach is often necessary. Knowledge about the position of the optic tracts gained from intra-operative measurements is useful for placement guidance. Pre-operative knowledge of the location of the optic tracts may not only help the placement and programming of the DBS implant but also prove useful in estimating intra-operative brain shift. In this article we present an automatic method to localize the optic tracts in MR/CT.