Lars Leksell. Notes at the side of a raconteur

Abstract

Lars Leksell was a visionary and creative neurosurgeon who helped to define the origins of functional brain surgery, stereotactic surgery, and radiosurgery. As a neurophysiologist, he described the gamma motor system of the nervous system. He created an evolutionary array of stereotactic guiding devices that were continually updated to meet changes in neurodiagnostic imaging. His interest in furthering the development of neurosurgery led to a unique number of other sophisticated instruments designed to reach the depths of the brain safely and effectively, while remaining simple and practical. Throughout life he remained an outstanding neurosurgical mentor.