IT hardly needs to be noted that the brain is a complicated organ.

But brain surgeons now have a new tool thanks to scientists at a Teesside company, who have created a virtual reality, three-dimensional scanner that can help neurosurgeons carry out complex surgery.

Middlesbrough-based Medical Interactives has received an £84,000 investment from a funding company to develop and market the device.

Medical Interactives is developing a low-cost, computer-based, stereo-3D projection and system to analyse data from brain scans.

Surgeons will have a more detailed, higher-quality image than is available anywhere in the world for rehearsals before brain operations.

The system is being sold in two parts, either a PC-based workstation or a three-metre screen system using projectors - which will cost £6,000 and £20,000 respectively.

Medical Interactives showed its invention to the world's top brain surgeons at the world congress of neurological surgery in Marrakesh, Morrocco, last month.

The company has worked with top brain surgeon Dr Mansoor Foroughi to develop the product. Dr Forougi attended the conference to present the system to his fellow professionals from across the world to gauge their response, and to assess the international market potential.

Nigel Rodwell, technical director at Medical Interactives, said: "The feedback we received in Marrakesh was extremely positive and we are using this information to tweak the development process as we look towards the sales stage.

"We have a wealth of experience in multimedia and visualisation on Teesside through the nationally-renowned Virtual Reality Centre at The University of Teesside. We have been able to harness this knowledge, and apply it to the medical arena, where it can make a real difference in patient care."

The investment came from NorthStar Equity Investors' proof of concept fund, which puts money into technology and knowledge-based businesses in the region, and is part of North-East-based investment company NStar.

Mr Rodwell said: "The investment we have received from NorthStar Equity Investors has been crucial in getting this concept off the ground and I think it is a big step forward for the region that funding like this is now available here in the North-East."

Chris Lines, of regional development agency One NorthEast, said: "Technology companies like Medical Interactives provide great examples of the entrepreneurial talent we have in this region, particularly in the innovation arena. North-East England's economic future will be enhanced by the development of businesses like this in the technology sector.

"For the sector to continue to grow and prosper, we must focus on retaining knowledge, intellectual property and ownership of the best commercial ideas within the region.

"To see companies such as Medical Interactive doing just this, and attracting international acclaim for their work in the process, is very good news and can only help the region further improve its reputation and profile."

Medical Interactive is the sister company of Amazing Interactives, which employs 11 people, including computer graphics artists and software engineers. The business is based at the Riverside Park Industrial Estate, in Middlesbrough.

For more information, visit www.amazing-int.com