Brainlab Elements Image Fusion

by Brainlab AG  · Based in Germany → — Pioneering software-driven medical technology for image-guided surgery and radiosurgery.
Neurosurgery Oncology Radiology

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Regulatory Status Disclosed

Overview

Brainlab Elements Image Fusion is a key application within the comprehensive Brainlab Elements suite, designed to enhance medical image data processing for surgical interventions and treatment planning. This software is renowned for its accuracy and reliability in multi-modality image fusion, providing physicians with improved anatomical insights for vital definition and contouring throughout the body. It facilitates fast, automatic, and accurate co-registration between various image modalities, including CT, MRI, PET, SPECT, and Ultrasound, using both rigid and deformable registration methods.

The Brainlab Elements suite, of which Image Fusion is a part, offers a range of specialized modules. These include Contouring for outlining, refining, and manipulating structures in patient image data; Fibertracking for processing and visualizing cranial white matter tracts based on Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) or Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) data; and BOLD MRI Mapping to analyze blood oxygen level dependent data for visualizing activation signals. Additionally, Elements Image Fusion Angio specifically handles the co-registration of cerebrovascular image data, allowing the fusion of 2D digital subtraction angiography (DSA) sequences with 3D vascular images like MRA, CTA, and 3D DSA to combine flow and location information.

The tool supports patient-specific planning by automatically generating accurate anatomy, leveraging multiple datasets and voxel-based tissue classification. It also incorporates artificial intelligence features for the identification of previously diagnosed lesions or tumors in T1-Weighted Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance (T1+C MR) volumetric images. Brainlab Elements is a versatile platform that integrates into various clinical workflows, offering solutions for surgical planning, navigation, data management, and intraoperative imaging.

Reviewed by Pouyan Golshani, MD — Interventional Radiologist

Key Features

  • Multi-modality Image Fusion (rigid and deformable co-registration)
  • Contouring (outlining, refining, manipulating 3D structures)
  • Fibertracking (visualization of cranial white matter tracts)
  • BOLD MRI Mapping (analysis of blood oxygen level dependent data)
  • Image Fusion Angio (co-registration of cerebrovascular image data)
  • Automated Patient Anatomy Segmentation
  • Trajectory Planning (for stereotaxy, DBS, sEEG, biopsies)
  • Post-operative Accuracy Verification
  • AI-powered lesion/tumor identification
  • DICOM data transfer and processing

Use Cases

  • Image-guided surgery planning (cranial, extracranial, neurosurgery, spine)
  • Radiation treatment planning (radiosurgery, radiotherapy)
  • Functional neurosurgery (DBS, sEEG, biopsies)
  • Pre-operative planning and intraoperative navigation
  • Post-operative treatment verification
  • Medical research and troubleshooting

What Physicians Need to Know

Key Capabilities
Brainlab Elements Image Fusion offers fully automated and highly accurate image co-registration of various medical image data, including CT, MRI, PET, SPECT, and US. It utilizes a mutual information algorithm for rapid dataset correlation and allows for region-of-interest definition. The software supports both rigid and deformable registration methods to align anatomical structures between datasets. It can fuse preoperative planning data with intraoperative scenarios, including the ability to combine 2D DSA sequences with MRA, CTA, and 3D DSA sequences for cerebrovascular imaging. The tool also enables automated rigid fusion between preoperative MRI and intraoperative ultrasound images, allowing surgeons to update navigation based on real-time patient anatomy.
Clinical Utility
This tool enhances pre-surgical planning and radiotherapy by providing better anatomical insights for definition and contouring throughout the body. It is used in image-guided surgery and radiation treatment planning across various subspecialties, including neurosurgery, spine surgery, orthopedics, and radiation oncology. Brainlab Elements Image Fusion aids in stereotactic functional neurosurgery by reliably fusing MR and CT images, which helps in assessing DBS lead location and making informed judgments about DBS contact placement. It also supports the integration of preoperative planning data into intraoperative scenarios, improving precision for procedures like pedicle screw placement.
Integration Options
Brainlab Elements Image Fusion is available as an individual application for easy integration into clinical workflows. It is part of the broader Brainlab Elements suite, which integrates with platforms like Curve™ Image Guided Surgery and Buzz® Digital O.R. The software can transfer DICOM data to and from PACS and other storage media devices. It supports automatic registration of images from various third-party devices, including 3D C-arms (e.g., Ziehm RFD 3D, GE OEC 3D, Siemens Cios Spin) and iCT. It also integrates with Brainlab's Ultrasound Navigation software, allowing for streamlined system setup with Fujifilm's ARIETTA Precision ultrasound.
Compliance Status
Brainlab Elements Image Fusion is a cleared medical device, with FDA 510(k) premarket notification (K223106) for Brainlab Elements 6.0, which includes Image Fusion 4.5. The software complies with safety and performance standards, and clinical validation has demonstrated its effectiveness in pre-planning for surgeries and radiotherapy. Brainlab as a company is committed to HIPAA compliance, with dedicated personnel and stringent privacy and security policies.
Pricing Model
Brainlab offers flexible business models for its Elements suite, ranging from simple, single licenses to multiple offerings across various departments. Specific pricing details are not publicly available.
User Experience
The Brainlab Elements suite, including Image Fusion, is designed with an intuitive interface. It aims to simplify and enhance the planning process for clinicians, offering a user-friendly suite of tools. The platform supports multi-device access, including iPads and iPhones, allowing for flexibility and accessibility for clinicians.
Support Quality
Brainlab provides technical support for its Elements suite. Details regarding specific support quality metrics are not publicly available.
Implementation Complexity
The primary limitation of the Brainlab Elements suite is its dependency on proper hardware and user expertise. Effective operation requires a computing environment that meets specific hardware criteria and trained personnel. However, the system is designed for easy setup and usage on various devices.
Evidence Base
Clinical validation of Brainlab Elements has demonstrated its effectiveness in pre-planning for surgeries and radiotherapy, meeting safety and performance requirements. Studies have investigated the accuracy of semi-elastic and monosegmental rigid image fusion using Brainlab Elements Image Fusion in spinal surgery. Research also explores the use of Brainlab Elements for co-registration of 2D-DSA whole frames and CBCTA for target definition in stereotactic radiosurgery. The tool is referenced in various clinical literature concerning cranial contouring, distortion correction, and functional radiosurgery.
Physician Tip

Leverage the automated co-registration for enhanced anatomical insights, especially when defining critical structures for contouring in radiotherapy and surgical planning. Utilize the flexibility to contour on any fused datasets to optimize treatment strategies. For neurosurgeons, the ability to fuse preoperative MRI with intraoperative ultrasound provides real-time updates on patient anatomy, which is crucial for navigating brain shift during tumor resections. In spine surgery, consider the benefits of semi-elastic fusion for improved accuracy and efficiency in navigated pedicle screw placement, especially in multi-segmental cases. The seamless integration with various imaging modalities and navigation systems can streamline workflows and improve precision in image-guided procedures.

Brainlab Elements Image Fusion seamlessly integrates with other modules within the Brainlab Elements suite and can be used as a standalone application. It supports DICOM data transfer and automatic registration with a wide range of third-party imaging devices, including 3D C-arms and iCT systems. The system also has specific integrations with ultrasound platforms like Fujifilm's ARIETTA Precision for enhanced intraoperative navigation. Its compatibility with various Brainlab platforms like Curve™ Image Guided Surgery and Buzz® Digital O.R. further enhances its utility in integrated operating room environments.

Details

Category Oncology AI, Radiology & Imaging AI, Surgical AI
Pricing Contact vendor
DeploymentOn-premise (workstation) and cloud-enabled for data storage and sharing
Compliance
BAA Available Yes AI-estimated
HIPAA Compliant Yes AI-estimated
FDA Status Cleared AI-estimated
Integrations
EHR Not specified
Specialties Neurosurgery, Oncology, Radiology

What the Web Says

Brainlab Elements Image Fusion is a software application designed for the co-registration and fusion of medical image data from various modalities like CT, MRI, PET, SPECT, and Ultrasound. It aims to provide physicians with enhanced anatomical insights for precise definition and contouring, particularly in neurosurgery, spine surgery, orthopedics, and radiation oncology. The software is part of the broader Brainlab Elements suite, which offers a range of tools to streamline pre-planning workflows and enhance surgical precision.

Overall: Positive

Strengths

  • Automated and accurate image fusion for precise dataset correlation and contouring.
  • Provides better anatomical insights for vital definition and contouring throughout the body.
  • Seamless integration across various clinical subspecialties.
  • Enhances surgical planning by converting 2D scans into interactive 3D anatomical maps.
  • Supports collaboration across departments and locations, with compatibility for mobile devices and workstations.
  • Reduces MRI distortion, increasing the accuracy of cranial SRT lesion delineation.

Limitations

  • Dependency on proper hardware and user expertise for effective operation.
  • AI features depend heavily on input image quality and user-set parameters.
  • Some users might find the company's internal processes, like expense reporting, outdated.
  • Limited salary compared to other companies, according to some employees.

Based on reviews from: medicalexpo.com, brainlab.com, appliedradiology.com, unirioja.es, innolitics.com, nih.gov, karger.com, youtube.com, medicalnewsobserver.com, fujifilm.com, fda.gov, healthcareaiops.com, lensa.com, indeed.com, reddit.com

Last updated: 2026-10-29

Ratings & Reviews

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Press & Coverage

orthogonal.io
Brainlab Elements Image Fusion, Contouring (4.5);Image Fusion (4.5);Fibertracking (2.0);Bold MRI Mapping (1.0);Image Fusion Angio (1.0)
Brainlab Elements Image Fusion is listed among FDA-cleared Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) products as of July 14, 2023, encompassing various modules for image processing in radiology.
2023-07
fda.gov
Brainlab Elements Image Fusion, Contouring (4.5);Image Fusion (4.5);Fibertracking (2.0);Bold MRI Mapping (1.0);Image Fusion Angio (1.0)
The FDA granted 510(k) clearance to Brainlab Elements 6.0, which includes Brainlab Elements Image Fusion, on July 14, 2023, for processing medical image data to support image-guided surgery and radiation treatment planning.
2023-07
fda.gov
Brainlab Elements Image Fusion Angio 1.0 510(k) Premarket Notification
Brainlab Elements Image Fusion Angio 1.0 received FDA 510(k) clearance on April 25, 2019, as a software application for co-registration of cerebrovascular image data, allowing fusion of 2D DSA sequences with MRA, CTA, and 3D DSA sequences.
2019-04
itnonline.com
Fujifilm Healthcare Americas Corporation and Brainlab Announce Distribution Agreement for Neurosurgery Ultrasound
Fujifilm Healthcare Americas Corporation and Brainlab announced a distribution agreement on April 4, 2024, making Brainlab the exclusive U.S. distributor of ARIETTA Precision Ultrasound for neurosurgery, which will be utilized with Brainlab's surgical navigation systems, including Elements 'Ultrasound Snap to MRI' (also known as Brainlab Elements Image Fusion) software.
2024-04
appliedradiology.com
Fujifilm Healthcare Americas Corporation and Brainlab Announce Distribution Agreement for Neurosurgery Ultrasound
A distribution agreement between Fujifilm Healthcare Americas Corporation and Brainlab, announced April 5, 2024, highlights the use of Brainlab Elements 'Ultrasound Snap to MRI' software (also known as Brainlab Elements Image Fusion) for automated rigid fusion between preoperative MRI and intraoperative ultrasound images in neurosurgery.
2024-04
medicalnewsobserver.com
Brainlab Elements Suite: Advancing Medical Imaging and Treatment Planning
An article from April 12, 2024, discusses the Brainlab Elements Suite, including Image Fusion, as a set of software applications designed to process medical image data for image-guided surgery and radiation treatment planning, emphasizing its compliance with safety and performance standards.
2024-04
novaliscircle.org
Angio excellence Down Under: Elements Image Fusion Angio and SmartBrush® Angio powering frameless AVM radiosurgery in Australia
A user story from June 16, 2026, highlights the use of Brainlab Elements Image Fusion Angio in Australia for frameless arteriovenous malformation (AVM) radiosurgery, enabling co-registration of 2D DSA images with 3D planning CT or MR images to outline vascular targets.
2026-06
nih.gov
Evaluation of the accuracy of image fusion in deep brain stimulation surgery using Brainlab Elements Image Fusion 4.0 software
A study published on August 16, 2023, evaluated the accuracy of Brainlab's Elements Image Fusion 4.0 software in deep brain stimulation surgery, reporting a mean observed target registration error of 1.81 mm in clinical studies.
2023-08

Videos

Product demos, reviews, and walkthroughs for Brainlab Elements Image Fusion.

View all on YouTube

Frequently Asked Questions

Brainlab Elements Image Fusion enhances oncology treatment planning by providing automatic co-registration of various medical images, such as CT and MRI sequences. This fusion offers physicians better anatomical insights for defining and contouring target volumes and organs at risk throughout the body. It streamlines the pre-planning workflow, transforming image preprocessing into actionable treatment plans, and is particularly useful in complex cases like spinal metastases for precise target delineation.
Brainlab Elements incorporates AI capabilities, such as Elements AI Tumor Segmentation, which is used in clinical settings for segmenting supported cranial tumors and enhancing workflows for multiple brain metastases and retreatment review. The software also utilizes AI/ML-based algorithms for identifying previously diagnosed lesions or tumors in T1-Weighted Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance (T1+C MR) volumetric images. Additionally, AI-driven contouring solutions can quickly and reliably delineate numerous structures, including lymph nodes, which is crucial for oncology.
Brainlab Elements Image Fusion is a medical device application intended for co-registration of image data within medical procedures using rigid and deformable registration methods. It is indicated for processing medical image data to support image-guided surgery and radiation treatment planning. Brainlab is committed to high ethical standards and has an Integrity & Compliance Program to address legal requirements and support internal guidelines, procedures, and values. The software meets safety and performance standards, and clinical validation has demonstrated its effectiveness in pre-planning for surgeries and radiotherapy.
The primary limitation of the Brainlab Elements suite is its dependence on proper hardware and user expertise; effective operation requires a suitable computing environment and trained personnel. While advanced, the software's AI features are heavily reliant on the quality of the input image and user-defined parameters. Furthermore, many AI models in neuro-oncology have been developed and validated on single-institution datasets, raising concerns about their generalizability across different centers, imaging platforms, and patient populations.
Yes, there are several alternatives that offer similar functionalities for medical image processing and 3D modeling in oncology. These include solutions like 3D-DOCTOR for 3D modeling and image processing, Elucis which supports unlimited import of 3D and 4D CT and MR images with advanced image processing, Materialise Mimics for converting medical image data into accurate 3D models, and Axial3D which provides AI-driven, cloud-based platforms for 3D medical imaging and patient-specific solutions. OsiriX is another highly regarded medical imaging software for viewing DICOM files with 2D, 3D, and 4D visualization.
Brainlab Elements Image Fusion is available as an individual application for easy integration into clinical workflows. The Brainlab Elements suite is designed to be customizable and offers seamless integration across various clinical subspecialties. Brainlab Elements installed on Node allows for location-independent treatment planning and review, enabling access and sharing of treatment plans using any computer in the hospital network, supporting both Mac and Windows users. It also supports mobile device access for reviewing treatment plans.

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Suggest an Edit → | Report an issue | Last Verified: 2026-04-18 | First Added: 2026-04-18
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