HeaDax: A simple pre-surgical procedure for localizing superficial brain lesions in resource-limited environments

BACKGROUND: Intracranial convexity lesions are poorly defined by recognizable anatomical landmarks. Even in expert hands, exact localization of small subcortical lesion and its projection to the skull is sometimes unreliable and can cause potential surgical complications. In this report, a simple and handy technique for localizing superficial intracranial lesions on the scalp under computed tomography (CT)-scan guidance is described. METHODS: This technique, HeaDax, is based on using extracranial landmarks. We constructed an isosceles square triangle with three pieces of copper electrical wire and placed it on the skin scalp. Then, we took a CT-scan but without the need of the classic head reference planes (e.g., orbitomeatal or along the orbital roof). RESULTS: For the measurements, we need to have the intracranial lesion located on the CT slice with respect to the two landmarks which are the height and hypotenuse of the triangle. The promising preliminary results of HeaDax applied to a phantom skull model encourage us to use it successfully for our first patient presenting a right subcortial supramarginal retrorolandic cavernoma. CONCLUSION: HeaDax procedure is a good alternative for localizing superficial intracranial lesions on the skin scalp under CT-scan or magnetic resonance imaging guidance. It can be used as a substitute when stereotactic and neuronavigation systems are not easily available, especially in developing countries and in resource-limited environments. HeaDax has a true potential for further developments and applications in cranial surgery.