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Robotic assistance for skull base biopsy: a feasibility study in phantom and cadaver
Jian-Hua Zhu1,2, Xiao-Jing Liu1,2
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China.
Frontiers in Oncology
|September 26, 2025
Summary
A new robot system for skull base biopsy, guided by Cone beam CT (CBCT), demonstrates feasibility and accuracy in phantom and cadaveric studies. This robotic approach shows promise for precise lesion targeting in deep-seated areas.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Robotics
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Biopsy of deep-seated lesions is crucial for diagnosing skull base abnormalities.
- Accurate targeting is essential for effective clinical management and minimizing complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of a novel robot system for skull base biopsy.
- To assess the system's performance using Cone beam CT (CBCT) image guidance.
Main Methods:
- A 7-degrees of freedom robot system was utilized for biopsy procedures.
- Skull phantoms and cadaveric specimens were used for testing.
- CBCT imaging guided trajectory planning and robotic needle insertion, with postoperative verification.
Main Results:
- All 20 interventions in phantom and cadaveric models were successfully completed.
- Mean placement errors were significantly lower with the navigation system (0.56±0.21 mm in phantom, 0.71±0.15 mm in cadaver) compared to image fusion (1.77±0.13 mm in phantom, 3.10±0.18 mm in cadaver).
- Accuracy was higher in phantom experiments (P<0.001).
Conclusions:
- Robot-assisted skull base biopsy is a feasible and accurate method.
- Further clinical studies are required to validate these findings in human patients.
