Prospective Techniques for Magnetic Resonance Imaging–Guided Robot-Assisted Stereotactic Neurosurgery

Abstract

Stereotactic neurosurgery involves a technique that can locate the brain targets using an external coordinate system. With the advancements of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), numerous studies on frameless stereotaxy and MRI-guided/verified technique have been reported to improve the workflow and surgical outcomes. Intraoperative (intraop) MRI guidance in frameless techniques is an appealing method which could simplify workflow by reducing the coregistration errors in different imaging modalities and monitoring the surgical progress. Manually operated platforms thus emerge for MRI-guided frameless procedures. However, these procedures could still be complicated and time-consuming due to their intensive manual operation. To further simplify the procedure and enhance accuracy, robotics has been introduced. In this chapter, we review the state-of-the-art intraop MRI-guided robotic platforms for stereotactic neurosurgery. To improve surgical workflow and achieve greater clinical penetration, three key enabling techniques are discussed with emphasis on their current status, limitations, and future trends.