Robotic three-dimensional positioning of a stimulation electrode in the brain

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Robotics
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Current functional stereotactic cerebral operations use straight electrodes, often necessitating multiple brain penetrations for target correction.
• Accurate targeting is crucial for effective stereotactic procedures, but limitations exist with conventional methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel robotic three-dimensional (3D) electrode probe for neurosurgery.
• To enable targeting within a cylindrical volume from a single approach trajectory, reducing the need for multiple penetrations.
• To evaluate the accuracy of the robotic probe and the integrated neurosurgical system.

Main Methods:

• Development and integration of a robotic 3D electrode probe with the Minerva neurosurgical robot.
• The probe features a string electrode that protrudes from a straight cannula, allowing for multi-directional movement.
• Accuracy was assessed using food gelatin as a brain tissue simulant, with a reported intrinsic accuracy of 0.25 mm.

Main Results:

• The robotic 3D electrode probe successfully reached targets within a defined cylindrical volume from a single trajectory.
• The system demonstrated high intrinsic accuracy (0.25 mm) for the string electrode.
• Analysis of the probe and overall system accuracy was performed using a brain simulant.

Conclusions:

• The developed robotic 3D electrode probe offers a significant advancement for functional stereotactic cerebral operations.
• This technology has the potential to improve targeting accuracy and reduce invasiveness by minimizing brain penetrations.
• The system provides a user-friendly interface for surgeons to control electrode placement accurately.