Accessory to the Talairach's apparatus for orthogonal approaches. Technical note

A stereotactic device is described which, without modifying the main characteristics of the Talairach's stereotactic apparatus, increases its flexibility in orthogonal approaches. This accessory, which replaces the double-grid system, permits any orthogonal access on the X and Y coordinates and insertion of any type of electrode, catheter or probe, without the constraints of the double grid holes. Its use in different stereotactic operations (brain tumor biopsy or curietherapy, implantation of intracerebral depth electrodes for stereo-EEG recording) proved its wide working capability and great reliability.