10 robots for cranial neurosurgery on the market or in the works

"Robotics are changing brain surgery. How so? Let a team of experts count the ways.
Publishing a paper on the topic June 30 in Operative Neurosurgery, neurosurgeons Tyler Ball, MD, of the University of Louisville, Chengyuan Wu, MD, of Thomas Jefferson University and colleagues note that their overview is based not on a comprehensive survey but on their professional observations from the field.
The authors concentrate on robotic technologies that either augment a surgeon’s movements or simplify a multistep process.
Left out are machines that “execute a simple translational or rotational movement under direct surgeon control.”
Ten applications meet their discussion criteria.
Technological capabilities of robots will continue to advance with increased computational power and enable safer, more efficient surgery. While there are currently well-defined roles for robotics in frameless stereotaxis, SEEG [stereoelectroencephalography] and endoscopy, the role of robotics in other portions of intracranial surgery is less defined. However, available technology shows promise in being able to augment other areas of neurosurgery..." Lire la suite