A SIMPLE METHOD FOR STEREOTAXIC MICROSURGICAL EXCISION OF SMALL, DEEP-SEATED CAVERNOUS ANGIOMAS

EIGHT PATIENTS UNDERWENT microsurgical excision of small, deep-seated cavernous angiomas (maximum diameter, 0.9 to 2 cm; distance from corti cal surface, 3.5 to 6.5 cm) by the stereotactic implantation of a guid e catheter. In all cases, the lesion was quickly localized and complet ely removed. None of the patients had postoperative neurological defic its. Once the guide catheter has been implanted, the stereotactic head frame can be removed, allowing the unobstructed use of the operating m icroscope with frames not suitable for open surgery. Target localizati on is not affected by brain movement, which is inevitable during open surgery. The procedure described here is simple to perform and relativ ely inexpensive. It requires no specially designed equipment, only a s tandard stereotactic apparatus, an operating microscope, and the usual microsurgical instruments.