Microcomputer stereotactic atlas.

A stereotactic atlas to determine thalamic target sites has been incorporated into a microcomputer. Variability studies of the thalamus with mean and standard deviations of nuclear borders are depicted graphically for overlay onto operative images. Internal landmarks traditionally used to reference target points for functional stereotaxis may be determined by conventional ventriculography or derived from magnetic resonance scans. Modeling of polyline vertices established from gray scale contour mapping and atlas reconstructions further enhance the spatial understanding of relationships to midline structures. Computer integration of anatomic reference points, graphically depicted images and stereotactic atlas data into head frame coordinates can be accomplished. This method is consistent with established stereotactic techniques and allows the visual conceptualization of imaged and graphic data for functional stereotaxis.