Minimal invasive procedures in neurosurgery.

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Minimally invasive surgical approaches are crucial for treating neurological diseases due to the delicate nature of the central nervous system.
• Stereotactic techniques and endoscopy have historical roots in early 20th-century neurosurgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the historical development and application of miniaturized surgical techniques in neurosurgery.
• To outline the foundational principles of stereotactic neurosurgery for accessing and treating deep brain targets.

Main Methods:

• Early stereotactic neurosurgery involved using burr holes to access brain targets.
• Radiographic imaging and skull landmarks were employed to guide instruments like needles and biopsy forceps.
• Ventriculography with contrast agents was used to establish 3D coordinate systems for surgical navigation.

Main Results:

• Stereotactic techniques allowed for the precise targeting of specific brain areas.
• The use of stereotactic atlases provided a framework for calculating coordinates in a theoretical average human brain.

Conclusions:

• Miniaturized surgical techniques, including stereotaxy and endoscopy, have evolved to minimize neurological trauma.
• The historical development of stereotactic neurosurgery laid the groundwork for current minimally invasive brain interventions.