Stereotactic frame and introducer needles

Stereotactic frame and introducer needles made and used at the Burden Neurological Institute. With the patient under general anaesthetic the stainless steel frame is secured to the skull with the 4 pointed screws. The post with crocodile clip is screwed into the needle holder (on the anterior/posterior slide) and is used to support the sheaf of electrodes when the needle is being withdrawn. The two adjustable rods on the ends of the lateral slide are for positioning the frame (and head) for the X rays.

Stereotactic (or stereotaxic) apparatus pinpoints areas of the brain. This is for targeting electrodes, delivering radiation or surgery. Investigations involving the brain, whether animal or human, must be precise and careful. This is so they do not unnecessarily damage the surrounding tissue. The patient is put under general anaesthesia. This stainless steel frame is then secured to the skull using the four pointed screws. Once it is in place and the plain is exposed, long needles are inserted into the parts of the brain being treated or tested.

The apparatus was made and used at the Burden Neurological Institute in Bristol. The institute was founded by the Reverend Burden in 1939. It is an independently-funded research unit. It specialises in the human nervous system and human neurological disorders.