Open-source 3D printable frameless stereotaxic system for young and adult pigs

• Published in: Journal of neuroscience methods Vol. 359; p. 109222
• Main Author: Malbert, Charles-Henri
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 15.07.2021; Elsevier
• Subjects: 3D print; Frameless stereotaxis; Life Sciences; Neurons and Cognition; Subthalamic nucleus; Ventriculography; Yucatan minipig; 3D print; Frameless stereotaxis; Yucatan minipig; Ventriculography; Subthalamic nucleus; ventriculography; subthalamic nucleus
• ISSN: 0165-0270; 1872-678X; 1872-678X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2021.109222

•Brain surgery in pigs is complex limiting their use as an alternate animal model.•In-lab 3D printing of frameless stereotaxic tools could simplify porcine brain surgery.•We presented a combination of open-source, 3D printable, surgical tools and software.•These tools were used for ventricular and STN targeting in young and adult pig.•The advantages and disadvantages of these tools were discussed. Here we present an open-source solution, comprising several 3D-printable mechanical pieces and software tools, for frameless stereotaxic targeting in young and adult pigs of varying weights. Localization was achieved using an IR camera and CT imaging. The positions of the tools were followed, after registration of the pig stereotaxic space, with a CT scan and open-source brain atlas. The system was used to target the lateral ventricle and the subthalamic nucleus (STN) in one piglet and two adult Yucatan miniature pigs, which were either normal weight or obese. Positive targeting was confirmed in the first trial for all subjects, either by radiopaque CT enhancement of the ventricle or actual recording of the STN electrophysiological signature. We conclude that open-source freely available models, easily built with low-end 3D printers, and their associated software can be effectively used for brain surgery in pigs, at a minimal cost, irrespective of the weight of the animal.