An open-source MRI compatible frame for multimodal presurgical mapping in macaque and capuchin monkeys

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Primate Research
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• High-precision neurosurgery in nonhuman primates (NHPs) relies on neuroimaging (MRI, CT, PET) for anatomical mapping.
• Aligning imaging coordinates to stereotaxic apparatus is challenging due to varied tissue contrasts.
• Existing MRI-compatible stereotaxis systems are often incompatible with high-resolution conformal head coils.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a compact, MRI-compatible stereotaxis for nonhuman primates (NHPs).
• To enable multimodal image alignment using technique-specific fiducial markers.
• To create a user-friendly and cost-effective solution for presurgical planning in NHP neurosurgery.

Main Methods:

• Designed a compact, MRI-compatible stereotaxis adaptable to various NHP species.
• Incorporated technique-specific fiducial markers for multimodal alignment (MRI, CT, PET).
• Ensured compatibility with clinical imaging systems and standard stereotaxic operation, without requiring marker implantation or special software.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated accurate fiducial system performance via within-MRI cannula insertion and viral vector injection.
• Validated multimodal (MRI/CT) alignment for robotic electrode implantation in deep-brain electrophysiology.
• Confirmed the apparatus's applicability for presurgical planning in diverse neurosurgical experiments.

Conclusions:

• Developed a versatile, 3D-printable MRI-compatible stereotaxis for NHP neurosurgery.
• The modular design offers low cost and manageable manufacturing.
• Publicly available design files facilitate wider adoption and innovation in primate neurosurgical research.