Just like in any other part of the body, when a tumor of the brain is suspected, a needle biopsy is indicated. However, to avoid serious complications, the brain must be biopsied differently from other organs: in a precise, three-dimensional space with the guidance of a computer system, i.e. with a stereotactic procedure.
This procedure was previously done with the patient's head held in a rigid frame, called a stereotactic frame. The frame, attached to the skull with screws, was very uncomfortable to the patient. The frame was used to direct a probe into the brain through a small hole in the skull.
Since 1993, Mount Sinai has been performing brain needle biopsies without a rigid frame. Several self-adhesive skin markers are applied to the patient's head to direct the probe into the brain. This procedure, called "frameless," or Computer-Assisted Image-Guided Brain Needle Biopsy, is very comfortable for the patient and provides the same accuracy of the rigid frame.
