Bringing neurosurgery & pathology closer

Two neurosurgeons from Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Barrow Neurological Institute share their clinical experience using the ZEISS CONVIVO confocal laser endomicroscopy system for intraoperative tumor imaging over the past two years.

Dr. Linton Evans presents results from a 30-patient Phase I clinical trial at Dartmouth, demonstrating how the ZEISS CONVIVO system integrates seamlessly into OR workflow using fluorescein as a contrast agent. The technology provides real-time histological assessment during stereotactic biopsies and tumor resections, reducing procedure time by eliminating the need for frozen sections.

Dr. Mark Pruhl shares findings from a 50-patient feasibility study at Barrow, showing high diagnostic accuracy across various brain tumor types and comparing the system's performance to 5-ALA fluorescence-guided surgery.

Both surgeons highlight the technology's benefits including improved collaboration with pathologists through telepathology, cost-effectiveness compared to traditional methods, and particular utility in challenging cases such as low-grade gliomas and tumor margins where other fluorescence methods may be limited.