Functional neurosurgery using 3-D computer stereotactic atlas

To facilitate a full-scale representation of thalamic nuclei and surrounding subcortical structures in the course of stereotactic procedures, a 3-D computer atlas of this region has been created, which permits visualization of the operative field including the involved structures and the position of the instrument. Necessary adaptation is performed according to the position of the intracranial reference points derived from CT-scan. Working with the atlas permitted more accurate and safer surgery. An IBM PC/AT computer was used.