Compute tomography-oriented stereotactic system

Abstract

A new and simple computed tomography (CT)-oriented stereotactic system that uses the basic principle of working in the CT plane of the target is described. The system consists of a movably mounted frame carrying an adjustable probe holder capable of sliding along the length of the frame and being inclined to any desired angle, together with an independently mounted head fixation system. The movably mounted frame and the sliding probe holder are adjusted in the CT plane of the target. The angle and the distance to which the probe holder should be adjusted for accurate probing can be obtained from a single scan image. The system can be used in any total body scanner with standard features. No special computer programming is necessary, and no calculations are needed. The operation of the system is described with illustrative cases. (Neurosurgery 10:370-374, 1982)