Instruments and techniques for the stereotactic surgery based on the CA-CP ventricular system of coordinates in...

The most widely used conventional stereotactic method utilizing the Horsley-Clarke coordinate system does not allow accurate intracerebral placements. Improving the precision of stereotactic surgery in monkeys has become imperative in neurological research to limit the waste of animals. This problem can be resolved with the use of a stereotactic technique based on ventricular landmarks utilizing "orthogonal teleradiography". The radiological devices and the stereotactic apparatus developed for the use with this technique are described. The apparatus allows the intercommissural plane of the animal to be placed parallel to the rails of the stereotactic frame by means of a head rotation around the ear bars. In addition, the technique uses metric reticles to make the interchange between ventricular and mechanical coordinates possible. The ventriculographic and stereotactic procedures are also described.