Electronic radiography in neurosurgery.

The authors describe the use of electronic radiography or short-exposure fluoroscopy with concurrent video recording of images in neurosurgery. The technique is applicable to all neurosurgical procedures in which fluoroscopy is used, such as transphenoidal surgery, trigeminal RF rhizolysis, percutaneous cordotomy, etc. With the use of subtraction techniques and intra-operative angiography, vascular maps of the cerebral vascular system can be made that allow the surgeon to puncture or to avoid vascular structures during stereotaxic procedures. Besides a great reduction in radiation exposure, this technique offers new advantages and potential for neurosurgical and neuroradiological interventional procedures.