Surgical Robotics Technology
What is Robotic Neurosurgery?
Surgical robotic neurosurgery is a medical procedure where surgeons use robotic systems to assist in performing brain or spinal surgeries with high accuracy. These robots help enhance precision, reduce invasiveness, and improve patient outcomes by allowing for more controlled and minimally invasive techniques.
What is Neurosurgery?
Neurosurgery is the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of patients with disorders which impact any portion of the nervous system. This includes the brain, spinal cord and spinal column, and peripheral nervous system.
Common Surgical Robotic Neurosurgical Procedures
Stereotactic Brain Biopsies
- By guiding a biopsy needle, surgical robots can assist in targeting specific parts of the brain with sub-millimetre accuracy, using preoperative imaging such as MRI or CT scans.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
- Surgical robots help plan and guide electrode placement in very small, deep brain targets (e.g., subthalamic nucleus), using 3D coordinates.
Spinal Fusion and Decompression
- Surgical robotic systems assist in the accurate placement of screws and hardware along the spine, using navigation systems and real-time imaging.
Tumour Resection
- While surgical robots may not directly remove the tumour, they provide enhanced navigation tools for accessing the tumour, and can help guide surgical tools or endoscopes.
Epilepsy Surgery
- Surgical robots guide stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) electrodes into the brain to map seizure activity precisely.
