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Building An Open-source Robotic Stereotaxic Instrument
Published on: October 29, 2013
Evaluation of a completely robotized neurosurgical operating microscope.
Sven R Kantelhardt1, Markus Finke, Achim Schweikard
1Department of Neurosurgery, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany. sven.kantelhardt@unimedizin-mainz.de
Neurosurgery
|December 21, 2012
Summary
A new robotized operating microscope with integrated optical coherence tomography (OCT) offers enhanced neurosurgical precision. This system provides automated positioning and navigation, enabling detailed intraoperative data acquisition for brain tumor surgery.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Robotics
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Operating microscopes are fundamental in neurosurgery.
- Robot-assisted systems enhance conventional microscopy.
- Integrating advanced technologies offers new surgical possibilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate a prototype robotized operating microscope.
- Assess the integration of optical coherence tomography (OCT).
- Combine manual control with automated robotic functions.
Main Methods:
- Retrofitting a standard operating microscope with motors and remote controls.
- Implementing a remote control fixed to surgical instruments for microscope steering.
- Integrating an OCT scanning module for enhanced imaging.
- Utilizing encoders and accelerometers for movement tracking.
Main Results:
- Achieved precise, vibration-dampened microscope positioning (approx. 1 mm error).
- Enabled surgeon-independent operation, hands on instruments, eyes on oculars.
- Demonstrated automated OCT scanning of large areas.
- Established an independent navigation loop using autofocus and 3D positioning.
Conclusions:
- The robotized OCT microscope merges manual control benefits with robotic assistance.
- It functions as a self-navigating system for automated positioning tasks.
- Future applications include intraoperative acquisition of spatial, volumetric, and structural data for brain tissues.
