MICN Lab

Welcome to the MICN Laboratory (Machine Intelligence in Clinical Neuroscience & MICrosurgical Neuroanatomy), affiliated with the Department of Neurosurgery and the Clinical Neuroscience Center of the University Hospital Zurich. Both microsurgical neuroanatomy and machine intelligence represent indispensable tools for the contemporary neurosurgeon: to safely and effectively treat patients with complex cranial and spinal disorders – lest we forget the necessary humanistic and empathic attitudes – the neurosurgeon needs to first master both science – be that data science or neuroanatomy – as well as technique – be that microsurgical, algorithmic, or robotic. Building on the pioneering spirit of Prof. M.G. Yaşargil, we aim to expand the current boundaries of neurosurgery by exploring the interface of technical adjuncts, neuroanatomy, and microsurgery. The MICN (Machine Intelligence in Clinical Neuroscience & MICrosurgical Neuroanatomy) Laboratory was founded to innovate and educate. One acronym, two possible meanings, one common goal: improving patient care. Machine Intelligence Our laboratory studies applications of machine intelligence with the direct goal of improving patient care in clinical neuroscience. The group focuses on novel concepts for diagnostic and operative imaging, including machine vision for anatomical recognition, synthetic medical imaging, and semantic segmentation. We also have expertise in diagnostic, prognostic and predictive analytics that aid in decision-making by increasing objectivity and transparency to patients. Microsurgical Neuroanatomy Our laboratory focuses on white matter microsurgical anatomy to further improved microsurgical undetstanding of brain architecture, as well as the interface between anatomy and machine vision. Novel visualization techniques such as photogrammetry represent another focus, with the aim of improving neurosurgical education. We also hold regular courses in Zurich and internationally on microdissection.