Joseph L. Mark

Part I: The challenge of functional preservation: an integrated systems approach using diffusion-weighted, image-guided, exoscopic-assisted, transulcal radial corridors

Abstract Surgical access to subcortical lesions in the sensorimotor area can lead to a high degree of cognitive and functional morbidity through injury to white matter fiber tracts. Inherent technological challenges limit resection of lesions in the sensorimotor area. A systematic and integrated approach to address these challenges termed the six-pillar approach has been developed. While individual elements of these pillars have been reported elsewhere, the authors hypothesize that the consistent adoption of standardized imaging, navigation, access, optics and resection technologies as a system identifies and protects eloquent tissue. In addition, this approach allows for the targeted harvest of viable cells to serve as the substrate for molecular regenerative therapy. An illustrative case with resection of a low-grade glioma in the sensorimotor region using the six-pillar approach is included to highlight the strengths of this approach.