Computer-assisted neurosurgery: simulation and automation.

Instrumentation has been developed to automate, accurately guide, and integrate microsurgery laser resection equipment that is used in stereotactic brain surgery. The instrument is a computer-controlled laser-guiding system. The improvement in the accuracy comes from relying on a certain well-referenced three-dimensional surgical orientation, and computer-preplanned tumor contours, rather than only the surgeons hand-eye orientation in the operating room.