Stereotactic brain biopsy using a narrow aperture computed tomography scanner

A technique for stereotactic brain biopsy with guidance by computed tomography (CT) has been developed and the procedure carried out on a series of 12 patients. A head fixation device, based on the Leksell method, has been designed which allows exact transfer of CT co-ordinates to a Bennett stereotactic frame for the purpose of the biopsy. The development and initial experience of this stereotactic technique in 12 cases is reported and the accuracy of the method confirmed by histological examination and post-operative CT verification of the biopsy site, by means of a small marker inserted at the time of surgery.