Use of the Radionics Image Fusion™ and Stereoplan™ programs for target localization in functional neurosurgery

We describe the use of Radionics Image Fusion(TM) and Stereoplan(TM) in defining the target for thalamotomy and pallidotomy in functional surgery for parkinsonism and tremor, Using this to fuse and spatially correct magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to computed tomography (CT) images our calculated targets were a mean of 0.6 +/- 1.5 mm from the end target determined physiologically by stimulation. This is significantly better than the values of 2.6 +/- 1.6 mm for thalamic targets and 7.1 +/- 3.7 mm for pallidal targets using CT alone, As a consequence , determination of the target and the lesion making are routinely performed in one pass of the electrode allowing. for faster, more accurate and, we believe, safer functional procedures. (C) Harcourt Brace & Co. Ltd 1998.