Leucotome

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A leucotome is a surgical instrument used for performing lobotomies. One type of leucotome has a narrow shaft which is inserted into the brain through a hole in the skull, and then a plunger on the back of the leucotome is depressed to extent a wire loop or metal strip into the brain. The leucotome is then rotated, cutting a core of brain tissue. This type was used by the Nobel-winning Portuguese neurologist Egas Moniz. Another type of surgical instrument, consisting simply of a pointed shaft, may also be called a leucotome. The latter instrument was used by Walter Freeman to perform transorbital lobotomies.

[edit] See also

• Orbitoclast
• Lobotomy

[edit] External links

• A leucotome from the University of Manchester Medical School Museum
• The Nobel Foundation page on prefrontal leukotomy