Robot-assisted neurosurgery is an advanced technique that enhances the precision and accuracy of various neurosurgical procedures. It involves the use of robotic systems to assist the surgeon in performing complex surgeries with minimal invasiveness. These technologies provide a higher degree of precision, improved visualization, and real-time guidance, ensuring better outcomes for patients.
Robot-assisted Neurosurgery © ENI
Robotic Assistance in Neurosurgery
Stereotactic Approach: Robotic systems enable surgeons to perform stereotactic procedures with high precision.
Image Guidance: During the procedure, real-time imaging technologies, including MRI, CT, and intraoperative navigation systems, guide the robotic instruments. This allows surgeons to navigate the brain and precisely target areas of concern while minimizing risks to healthy tissue.
Minimally Invasive Techniques: The use of robotic systems minimizes the need for large incisions, reducing trauma and promoting faster recovery times for patients. Small entry points are used, which leads to less postoperative pain and shorter hospitalization.
Applications of Robot-Assisted Neurosurgery
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Robot-assisted neurosurgery plays a critical role in the implantation of electrodes for deep brain stimulation. DBS is used to treat movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and dystonia.
Laser-Induced Thermal Therapy (LITT): Robotic systems are used for the minimally invasive application of laser energy to treat conditions such as brain tumors and epilepsy. The robot’s assistance ensures the accurate positioning of the laser catheter, allowing the high-energy laser beams to precisely target and destroy abnormal tissues while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy brain areas.
Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt (VP Shunt): In the treatment of hydrocephalus, robot-assisted techniques can help with the accurate placement of a VP shunt.
Biopsy/Tissue Sampling: Robot-assisted neurosurgery is used for tissue sampling and biopsies in complex brain regions. The robotic system ensures that the needle or biopsy instrument is precisely directed to the target tissue, minimizing damage to surrounding structures and improving diagnostic accuracy.
Robot-assisted Neurosurgery © ENI
Advantages of Robot-Assisted Neurosurgery
Enhanced Precision: Robotic systems allow for exceptional accuracy, especially when performing complex procedures like DBS or LITT. This leads to better outcomes and reduced risks of complications.
Minimally Invasive: Robotic systems enable the performance of procedures through small incisions, reducing trauma to the patient. This results in less pain, lower infection risk, and quicker recovery times.
Real-Time Imaging and Guidance: Robotic systems are integrated with advanced imaging techniques such as MRI and CT, offering real-time feedback and continuous visualization throughout the surgery. This ensures that the surgical team is always aware of the current position of instruments and the state of the surrounding tissue.
Faster Recovery Time: Since robot-assisted procedures are minimally invasive, patients typically experience shorter hospital stays, less postoperative pain, and quicker overall recovery.