Neurosurgery and technology

The author outlines the developments in neurosurgical technology under three headings: (1) developments in diagnostic technology; (2) developments in therapeutic technology, both surgical and nonsurgical; and (3) developments in interface technology. What will be presented is an overview of the technology that has had or will have a major impact on general neurosurgical practice. The author has not attempted to draw up an exhaustive list of all technology used in neurosurgery. Neurosurgery, like other surgical specialities is becoming increasingly subspecialised. The author´s own expertise is limited to the fields of neuro-oncology, epilepsy surgery and image guided surgery. The author is therefore indebted both to his neurosurgical and neuroradiological colleagues for much of the information that he presents