Principles of Stereotactic Operations on Subcortical Structures

Abstract

Stereotaxis, first of all, requires maximal accuracy. The success of any stereotactic operation depends on many factors but primarily on the accurate localization of the subcortical target. If the calculations are inaccurate, and the stereotactic instrument deviates from the target point only 2–3 mm, or if there are other technical defects, not only will the result be imperfect but very serious complications may arise. In the majority of stereotactic operations, the subcortical structure that is to be destroyed or stimulated lies close to other functionally important structures (pyramidal tract, chiasm, brainstem nuclei). That is why an error of only 2–3 mm in calculating the trajectory of the electrodecannula can lead to very serious consequences. The three-dimensional anatomy of the target and adjacent structures is extremely important for the planning and calculation of the electrode trajectory.

It is necessary to organize and bring the clinical observations of CNS diseases before, during, and after surgery to the exactness of a physiological experiment. N. N. Burdenko