Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 15, 2026
05:54
Stereo-Electro-Encephalo-Graphy SEEG With Robotic Assistance in the Presurgical Evaluation of Medical Refractory Epilepsy: A Technical Note
Published on: June 13, 2016
18.6K
Quantification of Forces During a Neurosurgical Procedure: A Pilot Study
Liu Shi Gan1, Kourosh Zareinia1, Sanju Lama1
1Project NeuroArm, Department of Clinical Neuroscience and the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
World Neurosurgery
|April 12, 2015
Summary
This study developed novel force-sensing bipolar forceps for neurosurgery. The device successfully quantified tool-tissue interaction forces, aiding in skill development for neurosurgeons.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Surgical Instrumentation
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Neurosurgical skills are traditionally qualitative, lacking objective metrics for tool-tissue interaction.
- Mastering optimal forces in neurosurgery requires extensive experience and trial-and-error learning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel force-sensing bipolar forceps for neurosurgery.
- To obtain preliminary quantitative data on tool-tissue interaction forces during neurosurgical tasks.
Main Methods:
- Designed and developed novel bipolar forceps with integrated strain gauges on prongs.
- Quantified forces during 10 distinct surgical tasks on 3 cadaveric brains using the forceps.
Main Results:
- Maximal dissection and coagulation forces were 1.35 N and 1.16 N, respectively.
- Over 70% of applied forces were below 0.3 N.
- Mean peak forces varied by task, e.g., 0.16 N for small vessel dissection to 0.65 N for optic chiasm dissection.
Conclusions:
- The force-sensing bipolar forceps effectively measured real-time tool-tissue interaction forces.
- This pilot study is a foundational step towards quantifying neurosurgical forces for enhanced training and skill improvement.
