Stereotakse

Stereotakse, also known as stereotaxis, refers to methods that locate targets inside the body using a defined three-dimensional coordinate system to guide instruments precisely to those targets. In neurosurgery and radiology, stereotactic techniques enable minimally invasive access to deep brain structures, tumors, or other lesions while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue. The term derives from Greek roots meaning “solid” and “arrangement.”

Stereotactic systems typically involve a rigid frame attached to the skull or a frameless navigation platform. Preoperative imaging, such as CT or MRI, is registered to the patient’s anatomy to establish coordinates for a chosen target. Planning software computes safe trajectories that avoid critical structures. Instruments such as biopsy needles, probes, or cannulas are advanced along the planned path under image guidance. In radiosurgery, the fixed coordinate framework is used to deliver focused radiation to a precise target.

History and development: early stereotactic frames appeared in the mid-20th century, with significant enhancements in subsequent decades, including brain atlases and coordinate systems (notably Talairach coordinates). Advances have included frameless neuronavigation, robotic assistance, and integration with functional imaging for functional neurosurgery and deep brain stimulation.

Applications: diagnostic biopsies, lesioning or ablation, placement of deep brain stimulation leads, targeted drug delivery, and focused radiotherapy (stereotactic radiosurgery). In research, stereotaxis provides precise, reproducible targeting for experimental interventions.

Risks and limitations: mislocalization, brain shift, hemorrhage, infection, and equipment or registration errors can affect accuracy. Proper training, image quality, and quality-control procedures are essential to minimize complications.