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Modular robotic platform for precision neurosurgery with a bio-inspired needle: System overview and first in-vivo
Riccardo Secoli1, Eloise Matheson1, Marlene Pinzi1
1The Mechatronics in Medicine Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
Plos One
|October 19, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a novel neurosurgical platform for steerable needle delivery, enhancing minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for drug delivery and diagnostics. The system demonstrated safe and effective implantation in pre-clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Medical Devices
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
Background:
- Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) offers advantages over conventional techniques, including reduced trauma and faster recovery.
- Neurosurgical MIS often involves inserting straight tools, facing challenges like tissue deformation and accessing deep structures.
- Current methods limit precision and therapeutic options in neurosurgical interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the first neurosurgical platform capable of delivering an implantable steerable needle.
- To address challenges in neurosurgical MIS, such as tissue deformation and target access.
- To focus on localized drug delivery applications using the steerable needle system.
Main Methods:
- Development and architecture of a novel neurosurgical platform for steerable needle delivery.
- System's first in vivo deployment in a pre-clinical ovine model.
- Optimization of a surgical workflow for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Main Results:
- Successful in vivo deployment of the steerable needle platform in an ovine model.
- Demonstration of appropriate function for neurosurgical applications.
- Confirmation of safe implantation of the device.
Conclusions:
- The presented neurosurgical platform enables steerable needle delivery, advancing MIS capabilities.
- The system shows promise for localized drug delivery and other diagnostic/therapeutic applications.
- Pre-clinical trials confirm the platform's functionality and safety for future neurosurgical interventions.
