Computer-Assisted Brain Surgery

Computer-Assisted Brain Surgery at Mayo Clinic

Computers create detailed 3-D reconstructions of the brain.

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More than 20 years ago, Mayo neurosurgeons and computer experts introduced computer-assisted brain surgery, which revolutionized the diagnosis and treatment of deep lesions in the brain. Today, it is an irreplaceable tool for treatment of brain tumors, epilepsy, movement disorders and other conditions.

How It Works

The first step in computer-assisted brain surgery is to gather detailed images of the brain using MR, CT, PET and other imaging technologies. The imaging is done with reference points so that the brain is mapped in three dimensions (referred to as stereotaxy).

Computer experts reconstruct these images into detailed 3-D models of the patient's brain, which highlight critical structures in the brain along with abnormalities. The model allows the neurosurgeon to plan the safest and least invasive route possible to treat the problem. During the operation, the system guides the surgeon precisely to the target.

Computer-assisted brain surgery has expanded the capabilities to treat disease more safely and accurately. Computer-assisted surgery usually means a smaller incision and less risk of injury to critical brain structures. As a result, patients typically experience less postoperative discomfort, blood loss and anesthesia time and shorter hospital stays than with a traditional craniotomy.

Mayo Clinic neurosurgeons have performed computer-assisted brain surgery on thousands of patients. When appropriate, they combine awake brain surgery and deep brain stimulation with computer-assisted surgery to treat patients who have brain tumors and epilepsy.

Gamma Knife Machine™

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Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Mayo neurosurgeons use similar computer-assisted techniques (but with different technology) to treat brain tumors and other lesions with precisely focused beams of radiation using stereotactic radiosurgery.