Neuronavigation as the evolution of stereotaxis

Abstract

Modern stereotactic neurosurgery is a science that uses a high-tech technique of precise impact on deep structures and deeply located pathological formations of the brain. Depending on the disease, the impact on these structures and the pathological focus can be variable. Functional neurosurgery uses stereotactic technique for diathermodystruction and implantation of electrodes for chronic stimulation of cerebral nuclei in Parkinson’s disease, certain forms of muscular dystonia, postherpetic trigeminal neuralgia, and a number of pain syndromes. In neurooncology, the stereotactic technique has found application as a minimally invasive technique for taking biopsies to determine further treatment tactics and for installing radioactive intrastates in brachytherapy of brain tumors. Non-functional stereotaxy (neuronavigation) is used in surgery for operations on tubular bones, with injuries to the spine, throat, ear, nose, penetrating wounds, which can significantly reduce intraoperative radiation exposure, intraoperative injuries, blood loss, surgical intervention time and thereby reduce the time of rehabilitation of victims and financial costs. The results of its use demonstrate superiority over traditional methods. Applications for intraoperative navigation with visual control have expanded in spine surgery – arthrodesis, revision procedures, deformities with distorted anatomy, as well as use in intradural tumors, intracerebral hematomas. In addition, these technologies can, with minimal invasive surgery, mitigate most of the radiation exposure to the patient, surgeon, and operating room support staff.