PC-based system for three-dimensional anatomic-physiological correlation during stereotactic and functional neurosurgery

This paper describes the automatic SD-graphic possibilities that are supplied by a PC-based software to facilitate the anatomic-physiological targeting during stereotactic and functional neurosurgery, using deep brain recording. This software has been developed to substitute complex electronic equipment with a PC for deep brain electrical activity recording, display and processing. It also allows greater possibilities for on-line graphic analysis, automatic management of the recorded information and flexibility to implement different forms of signal analysis. It can automatically show a 2D- and/or SD-representation of the electrode track with the superimposed electrophysiological findings, and the corresponding sagittal, coronal and axial view of a brain anatomic atlas, after its automatic scaling for each patient. It allows graphic analysis of the recorded information and its correlation with the anatomy, even during the surgical procedure. This software has already been successfully used in Spain, Chile and Cuba in more than 400 neurosurgeries, allowing to increase the targeting accuracy and safety.