Robotics for Image-Guided Neurosurgery

Advances in neurosurgery have paralleled technology development, in particular as they relate to lesion localization. Since the mid-1980s, imaging technologies have been translated into the operating room for surgical planning, navigation, and resection control. To take full advantage of the imaging environment, investigators have begun the process of merging precise and accurate robotic technology together with image guidance into neurosurgical procedure. Present robotic technology can be broadly categorized into three main classifications: supervisory controlled, telesurgical, and shared control systems. Several of these innovative robotic technologies have gone on to become commercial entities. The systems continue to evolve and now include an MR-compatible image-guided robot for microsurgery and stereotaxy that recreates a sensory-rich environment at a remote workstation. As the systems progress further, together with ongoing advancement in molecular imaging and computer capabilities, neurosurgery has the potential to shift from the present organ-level precision toward the cellular level.