Robot- and computer-assisted craniotomy: resection planning, implant modelling and robot safety

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Robotic Surgery
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Manual resection of cranial tumors is challenging due to dura mater adhesion.
• Computer-assisted planning, navigation, and robotic craniotomy are gaining traction in craniofacial and neurosurgery.
• Customized implants can aid in skull reconstruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a computer-assisted robotic system for cranial tumor resection and skull reconstruction.
• To enhance the precision and efficiency of neurosurgical interventions.
• To improve patient outcomes through advanced surgical techniques.

Main Methods:

• Preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans are used for automatic tumor segmentation and resection planning.
• Computer-assisted modeling and manufacturing are employed for skull implant design.
• A new hexapod robot system was developed and risk-analyzed for guided interventions.

Main Results:

• Registration and robot accuracy were demonstrated on plastic and anatomical skulls.
• A safety system was developed to supervise the robot during surgery.
• The complete workflow, from CT scan to robot-assisted tumor removal, was validated in laboratory and anatomical settings.

Conclusions:

• Laboratory and anatomical studies provide a foundation for system improvement.
• Further development aims to integrate the system into surgical workflows.
• The system is being prepared for initial clinical studies.