Techniques of Frameless Robot-Assisted Deep Brain Stimulation and Accuracy Compared with the Frame-Based Technique

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Robotics
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a key treatment for Parkinson's disease.
• Frameless robot-assisted DBS offers a novel approach to lead implantation.
• Evaluating the accuracy of frameless robotic systems is crucial for clinical adoption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the accuracy and precision of frameless robot-assisted DBS using the Sinovation SR1 robot.
• To compare the performance of frameless robotic DBS with conventional frame-based DBS.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 35 Parkinson's disease patients undergoing DBS surgery.
• Comparison between 18 patients receiving frame-based DBS and 17 patients receiving frameless robot-assisted DBS.
• Calculation of vector error between planned and actual lead implantation coordinates.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in vector error between frameless robot-assisted (1.52 ± 0.53 mm) and frame-based DBS (1.77 ± 0.67 mm).
• Higher incidence of >2.00 mm vector error in frame-based (35.5%) compared to robot-assisted (10.7%) group.
• Slight differences in lead placement relative to planned trajectories observed between the two techniques.

Conclusions:

• Frameless robot-assisted DBS demonstrates comparable accuracy and precision to frame-based DBS for lead implantation.
• The Sinovation SR1 robot enables precise lead placement in awake DBS procedures.
• This technology represents a viable alternative for DBS surgery.