An image-guided magnetic resonance-compatible surgical robot

OBJECTIVE: The past decade has witnessed the increasing application of robotics in surgery, yet there is no existing system that combines stereotaxy and microsurgery in an imaging environment. To fulfill this niche, we have designed and manufactured an image-guided robotic system that is compatible with magnetic resonance imaging. METHODS: The system conveys the sight, touch, and sound of surgery to an operator seated at a remote workstation. Motion scaling, tremor filtering, and precision robotics allow surgeons to rapidly attain technical proficiency while working at a spatial resolution of 50 to 100 mu m instead of a few millimeters. This system has the potential to shift surgery from the organ toward the cellular level. RESULTS: By integrating the robot with images obtained during the procedure, the effects of surgery on both the lesion and brain are immediately revealed. CONCLUSION: We are providing technology to advance and transform surgery with the potential to improve patient outcome.