Print Overview Intraoperative MRI Enlarge image Close Intraoperative MRI Intraoperative MRI Since the brain can shift during surgery, brain-mapping techniques and intraoperative MRI create accurate pictures of the brain that guide the neurosurgeon in effectively removing only the tumor and avoiding any functional brain tissue, to preserve motor function, language and other important brain functions. In computer-assisted brain surgery, surgeons use imaging technologies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), intraoperative MRI, computerized tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans, to create a 3D model of your brain. This may be done before, or in some cases during, your surgery. This model allows your brain surgeon (neurosurgeon) to plan the safest way to treat your condition. During your surgery, the computer system precisely guides your surgeon to the area(s) of your brain requiring treatment.Products & ServicesSign up for Email: Get Your Free Resource – Coping with Cancer Why it's done Deep brain stimulation Enlarge image Close Deep brain stimulation Deep brain stimulation Deep brain stimulation involves implanting an electrode deep within the brain. The amount of stimulation delivered by the electrode is controlled by a pacemaker-like device placed under the skin in the chest. A wire that travels under the skin connects the device to the electrode. Computer-assisted brain surgery is used to treat a variety of conditions affecting the brain, including brain tumors, Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, epilepsy and arteriovenous malformations. If you have a brain tumor, your surgeon may combine computer-assisted surgery with awake brain surgery. Mayo Clinic neurosurgeons also use computer-assisted techniques to treat brain tumors, arteriovenous malformations, trigeminal neuralgia and other conditions with precisely focused beams of radiation using brain stereotactic radiosurgery. If you have epilepsy, Parkinson's disease or essential tremor, computer-assisted surgery may involve deep brain stimulation. Your surgeons may use an MRI to help map your brain and plot the placement of the electrodes. By Mayo Clinic Staff Computer-assisted brain surgery care at Mayo Clinic Request an appointment Doctors & Departments April 21, 2022 Print Show references Stereotactic radiosurgery. American Association of Neurological Surgeons. https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Stereotactic-Radiosurgery. Accessed Oct. 23, 2021. Chen CC, et al. Stereotactic cranial neurosurgery. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Oct. 23, 2021. Edwards CA, et al. Neurostimulation devices for the treatment of neurologic disorders. Mayo Clin Proc. 2017; doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.05.005. AskMayoExpert. Deep brain stimulation. Mayo Clinic; 2021. Deep brain stimulation. American Association of Neurological Surgeons. https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Deep-Brain-Stimulation. Accessed Oct. 23, 2021. Braswell-Pickering EA. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. Nov. 15, 2021. Related Brain AVM (arteriovenous malformation) Deep brain stimulation Glioma Intraoperative MRI Show more related content Products & Services Sign up for Email: Get Your Free Resource – Coping with Cancer Computer-assisted brain surgeryAboutDoctors&DepartmentsCare atMayoClinic Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceThe Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressThe Essential Diabetes BookMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book PRC-20251941 Patient Care & Health Information Tests & Procedures Computer-assisted brain surgery