Telecontrolled micromanipulator system (NeuRobot) for minimally invasive neurosurgery.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: To perform less invasive neurosurgery, a telecontrolled micromanipulator system has been developed and applied to clinical situations. Basic experiments for telesurgery have also been conducted. METHOD: A cadaver head was used to carry out surgical simulation of the opening of the sylvian fissure and third ventriculostomy. After obtaining permission from the Ethical Committee of Shinshu University School of Medicine, part of the recurrent meningioma in a 45-year-old man was removed. As basic experiment for telesurgery, surgical simulation was also conducted in a rat brain with the operating console transported to a hospital 40 km distant from the University. FINDINGS: Opening of the sylvian fissure and third ventriculostomy were accurately performed. Tumour removal in a patient with recurrent meningioma was safely achieved. Surgical simulation in the rat brain was accurately and correctly carried out, operated on from a hospital 40 km distant. CONCLUSIONS: The NeuRobot, telecontrolled micromanipulator system, can be used as a tool for less invasive neurosurgery.