Towards a Three-Dimensional Brain Model Stored in a Computer

Abstract

The project of storing in a computer a three-dimensional brain model is undoubtedly ambitious. The object is to be able to help the neurosurgeon to visualise the structures encounted by a stereotactically directed probe. The technical problems involved in converting between atlas co-ordinates and the actual co-ordinates of a particular stereotactic machine on a particular patient are not very difficult and by themselves seem hardly to justify the use of a general purpose computer, although Dervin, Heywood et al. have demonstrated the possibilities of a dedicated portable mini-computer operating actually within the theatre. Our project must also be distinguished from that of storing in computer memory a brain atlas, in such a way that appropriate sections can be retrieved and displayed with an associated representation of the probe track. A system of this latter kind has been beautifully illustrated by Dr. Bertrand in this symposium.