title: Evaluation of Thiel cadaveric model for MRI-guided stereotactic procedures in neurosurgery.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided deep brain stimulation (DBS) and high frequency focused ultrasound (FUS) is an emerging modality to treat several neurological disorders of the brain. Developing reliable models to train and assess future neurosurgeons is paramount to ensure safety and adequate training of neurosurgeons of the future.
  
  
  METHODS
  We evaluated the use of Thiel cadaveric model to practice MRI-guided DBS implantation and high frequency MRI-guided FUS in the human brain. We performed three training sessions for DBS and five sonications using high frequency MRI-guided FUS in five consecutive cadavers to assess the suitability of this model to use in training for stereotactic functional procedures.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found the brains of these cadavers preserved in an excellent anatomical condition up to 15 months after embalmment and they were excellent model to use, MRI-guided DBS implantation and FUS produced the desired lesions accurately and precisely in these cadaveric brains.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Thiel cadavers provided a very good model to perform these procedures and a potential model to train and assess neurosurgeons of the future.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Neurosciences, College of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK.
authors.forename: Sam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Eljamel
authors.affiliation: Centre for Neurosciences, College of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK ; Department of Anatomy and Human Identification, Institute for Medical Science and Technology, University of Dundee, UK.
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Volovick
authors.affiliation: Centre for Neurosciences, College of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK.
authors.forename: Timur
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Saliev
authors.affiliation: Department of Imaging at IMSAT and R and D, Department at Insightic, InSightec Ltd., Tirat Carmel, Israel.
authors.forename: Roos
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Eisma
authors.affiliation: Centre for Neurosciences, College of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK.
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Melzer
keywords: Assessment; Thiel embalmment; deep brain stimulation; focused ultrasound; magnetic resonance imaging guided; training