A new system for computer assisted neurosurgery

A system that combines computer-assisted planning of a stereotactic neurosurgical operation with the use of a computer controlled positioning arm, in order to introduce a tool into the brain, is described. The system is based on a robot controlled by a pair of X-ray images. Some of the methodological problems raised by this technique are presented. The extension of the system to 3-D multimodality images and the problems encountered are briefly discussed.<>