Robotized Neurosurgery Platform for Precise Tool Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neurosurgical practices face challenges due to the complexity and inflexibility of existing equipment, including stereotaxic frames, neuro-navigation systems, and surgical microscopes, which often require invasive procedures, are difficult to reset accurately, and do not offer the necessary versatility and precision for open surgery.
Innovation Solution
A multi-application robotized platform for neurosurgery that integrates a planning console, a positioning robot arm with six degrees of freedom, video image recording and display capabilities, and various tools, including contact and contactless probes, to provide precise and flexible positioning and visualization of anatomical structures, eliminating the need for radio-opaque markers and enhancing logistical management in the operating theater.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stereotaxic frames are used for accurate positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but the system becomes invasive and inflexible for open surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical stereotaxic frame system with a robotized positioning system that uses computer-controlled robotic arms instead of rigid mechanical frames anchored to the skull. This substitution eliminates the need for invasive frame attachment while maintaining positioning precision through automated robotic control and digital navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotized platform is designed as a multi-functional system that can perform both stereotaxic positioning and open surgical procedures. The robotic arms can be configured for different surgical tasks, and the system integrates navigation, imaging, and surgical tool manipulation, making it adaptable to various neurosurgical applications without requiring separate specialized equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated surgical devices are used for different neurosurgical applications, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and logistical management deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple previously separate neurosurgical devices into a single integrated robotized platform. The system combines stereotaxic positioning capabilities, open surgery support, navigation systems, imaging equipment, and surgical tool manipulation into one unified platform, reducing the number of separate devices needed while maintaining all required functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotized platform is designed as a universal system that can perform multiple neurosurgical functions through reconfigurable robotic arms and interchangeable surgical tools. The system adapts to different surgical applications by loading appropriate end-effectors and adjusting robotic arm configurations, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated devices.
3Measurement precision
If radio-opaque markers are affixed on the skin for neuro-navigation, then resetting capability is improved, but positioning stability deteriorates due to skin movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the skin-based radio-opaque marker system with a robotized system that uses direct robotic arm positioning and digital image registration. The robotic arms are equipped with sensors and navigation capabilities that eliminate the need for external markers, providing stable positioning that is not affected by skin movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy or model of the patient's anatomy through pre-operative imaging and uses this virtual model for navigation. The robotic arms are guided by this digital replica rather than physical markers on the skin, allowing accurate positioning without the instability associated with skin-mounted markers.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a multi-application robotized platform for neurosurgery, comprising: a planning console comprising processing means that can especially receive and process digital images; a positioning robot arm comprising a plurality of arm segments, one of which is terminal and proximal and the other is terminal and distal, said segments being interconnected by articulated elements, the terminal distal arm segment comprising a receiving element arranged in such a way as to receive tools, and the robot arm being guided by the planning console; at least one video image recording means able to record images of the anatomical region to be processed, said means being electrically connectable to the processing means of the planning console, and able to be positioned and fixed to the receiving element of the distal arm segment in a removable manner; tools, instruments and others suitable for being positioned and fixed to the receiving element of the terminal distal arm segment in a removable manner; means for observing pre-operating and per-operating images, said means being electrically connected to the planning console for receiving video signals therefrom relating to the images to be displayed, and/or to the image recording means. The invention also relates to a method ensuring an improved resetting of the anatomical region to be processed in relation to its digital model using said platform.