The Computer-Assisted Localizer, a Navigational Help in Microneurosurgery

Abstract

The computer-assisted-localizer (CAL) achieves a direct linkage between preoperative radiological images and individual intraoperative anatomical findings. Experiences with our system demonstrate that CAL improves the intraoperative orientation and facilitates the neurosurgical procedure. The system described here consists of a mechanical articulated robot arm with six degrees of freedom and a three-dimensional image processor. After calibration, the displayed image dynamically pointed out the exact intraoperative localization in three perpendicular sectional views. Meanwhile, CAL was successfully used in 73 selected microneurosurgical procedures.

Robotic versus standard laparoscopy for the treatment of endometriosis

“…Since Nezhat's collaborative work with robotic pioneers Ajit Shah and Phil Green from the Stanford Research Institute who developed the Da Vinci robot in the 1990s, others have successfully applied this technology to various fields (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)18,21).…”

“…Since the introduction of computer enhanced technology (robotics) to surgery, attention has focused on its advantages and disadvantages. Robotics have been used successfully in fields other than gynecology, such as urology, cardiology, general surgery, orthopedic surgery, ophthalmology, and neurosurgery, and it is believed to enable more surgeons to convert laparotomies to laparoscopies (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14). The threedimensional (3D) visual system in robot assisted surgery allows for improved spectral depth perception and its intuitive movements and articulating instruments allows for greater range of motion and filtration of any natural tremor of the surgeon (14)(15)(16).…”

Error Analysis in Cranial Neuronavigation

“…More than ten years ago, in co-operation with the Institute of Measuring Techniques, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, and Department of ENT at the University of Technology Aachen, both an arm-based, mechanical navigation system and already a prototype version of an optical, infrared-based system were developed [15]. The armbased CAL system was routinely used in selected neurosurgical procedures from 1990 until 1995, while the prototype optical system was only applied for a few experimental surgical cases [11,15] at the Technical University of Aachen. Since 1995 the 3D optical navigation system EasyGuide (Philips Medical Systems, Best, The Netherlands) was routinely used in Aachen [16].…”

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy compared with standard laparoscopic myomectomy—a retrospective matched control study

“…Despite laparoscopic benefits such as faster postoperative recovery and potentially fewer postoperative adhesions compared with laparotomy, the overwhelming majority of myomectomies are performed by laparotomy because of the existence of many technical concerns. Computerized enhanced robotic surgery using the da Vinci robotic surgical system has been applied successfully in cardiac surgery (2), urology (3,4), general surgery (5), orthopedics (6), maxillofacial surgery, ophthalmology (7), neurosurgery (8), gynecology (9)(10)(11)(12), and even in the field of surgical gynecologic oncology (13). The use of robotic assistance (RA) in laparoscopy has been proposed to overcome the disadvantages of traditional laparoscopy while still benefiting from the advantages of the minimally invasive technique (14).…”