Stereotactic Surgery

 

What is it?
Stereotactic Surgery techniques have been devised for spinal and brain surgeries.  Think of it as a GPS system that precisely points to a specific point on the body and knows where the surgeon is and where he needs to go.

How does it work?
Framed and frameless systems are used.  A framed approach involves attaching a frame to the body and then obtaining an imaging study.  The frame acts as a reference point to find pathology.  A frameless approach uses fiducials (markers), usually on stickers, and sometimes body shape to mark a reference point for stereotaxy prior to imaging.  In both cases, an immovable point has to be attached to the patient and a computer is used to process relative positions to the pathology. 

Spine surgery:
Stereotactic Surgery techniques are used in lumbar spinal fusions.  Stereotaxy is used for accurate placement of screws in the spine. The principle behind Stereotactic Surgery is to place pedicle screws into the spine without striking critical structures such as nerves or major blood vessels.  The use of Stereotactic Surgery reduces the need for radiation used with a C-arm, providing a safer working environment for the patient and staff.

Brain Surgery:
Stereotactic surgery, including frameless stereotaxy, has revolutionized brain surgery.  Many diseases can be treated with a small incision, a small skull opening, and minimal disruption of normal brain tissue with the use of advanced frameless stereotaxy.  Advanced microscopes and endoscopy have likewise significantly impacted surgical approaches and outcomes.  Lasers, ultrasonic aspirators, and numerous other innovations in neurosurgery have improved precision and accuracy of treatment.

Whatever the neurosurgical approach, we have the latest techniques available to us for your benefit.  Minimizing surgery and maximizing outcome is our goal.