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Progress in Neurosurgical Robotics

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Intraoperative Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy

Abstract

Over the past century, advances in neurosurgery have paralleled developments in technology. This trend began with novel surgical instrumentation and progressed to sophisticated techniques of lesion localization. Simultaneous advances in imaging and computer technologies enabled neuronavigation and the quantification of surgical space. Robotic systems couple the precision and accuracy of machines with the executive capabilities of an experienced surgeon.

Neurosurgical robotic systems are reviewed, and chronological accomplishments are described. The technical specifications and clinical contributions of each robot are summarized in a table. A case study of neuroArm, an MR-compatible image-guided surgical robot, is presented. This incorporates all stages of robot development, from conception and design to safety considerations, through clinical use and acceptance. The strengths and weaknesses of this contemporary system are discussed and analyzed.

Robotic systems are leading to a neurosurgical practice of minimalism and accuracy beyond that which is capable by the unaided human hand. Eventually, this will shift the paradigm of surgery from the organ to the cellular level. The integration of physical and imaging datasets at a computerized workstation offers the surgeon instantaneous access to critical surgical parameters. This technology has the potential to improve the performance of surgery.

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Acknowledgement

Supported by grants from the Canada Foundation for Innovation, Western Economic Diversification Canada, Alberta Advanced Education and Technology, Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research and the Canadian Institute for Health Research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Neurosurgery, Seaman Family MR Research Centre, Foothills Medical Centre, 1403, 29th Street N.W., Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada

    Jason W. Motkoski BSc, MD & Garnette R. Sutherland MD, FRCS(C)

  2. Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, 1403 – 29th Street N.W., Calgary, AB, T2N 2T9, Canada

    Garnette R. Sutherland MD, FRCS(C)

Authors
  1. Jason W. Motkoski BSc, MD
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  2. Garnette R. Sutherland MD, FRCS(C)
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Garnette R. Sutherland MD, FRCS(C) .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. National Center for Image Guided Therapy, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

    Ferenc A. Jolesz

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Motkoski, J.W., Sutherland, G.R. (2014). Progress in Neurosurgical Robotics. In: Jolesz, F. (eds) Intraoperative Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7657-3_46

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7657-3_46

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4614-7656-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-7657-3

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