Robotic Neuro-Endoscope with Concentric Tube Augmentation

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Robotics
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Surgical robots offer enhanced access to remote anatomical locations.
• Continuum robots are suitable for deep-seated areas like cerebral ventricles.
• Current neuroendoscopic techniques have limitations in accessing the full ventricular volume due to anatomical constraints.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel robotic system for enhanced neuroendoscopy.
• To improve surgical access and dexterity within the cerebral ventricles.
• To address the limitations of current manual endoscopic approaches.

Main Methods:

• Development of a concentric tube manipulator integrated with a robotically controlled flexible endoscope.
• Augmentation of a standard neuroendoscope with three additional degrees of freedom.
• Utilization of in-silica virtual models and ex-vivo anatomic models for functional demonstration.

Main Results:

• The roboticized endoscope demonstrated efficient navigation to critical ventricular regions.
• The system provided superior reachability compared to conventional manual scopes.
• Experiments confirmed the device's capability in accessing challenging anatomical spaces.

Conclusions:

• The augmented and roboticized endoscope significantly enhances surgical access to deep cerebral structures.
• This technology holds substantial clinical implications for treating conditions like hydrocephalus.
• Robotic enhancement of neuroendoscopes offers a promising advancement in minimally invasive brain surgery.