Search

Background: A prerequisite for successful robot-assisted neurosurgery is to use a hand-controller matched with characteristics of real robotic microsurgery. This study reports quantified data pertaining to the required workspace and exerted forces of surgical tools during robot-assisted microsurgery., Methods: A surgeon conducted four operations in which the neuroArm surgical system, an image-guided computer-assisted manipulator specifically designed to perform robot-assisted neurosurgery, was employed to surgically remove brain tumors. The position, orientation, and exerted force of surgical tools were measured during operations., Results: Workspace of the neuroArm manipulators, for the cases studied, was 60×60×60 mm(3) while it offered orientation ranges of 103°, 62° and 112°. The surgical tools exerted a maximum force of 1.86 N with frequency band of less than 20 Hz., Conclusions: This data provides important information specific to neurosurgery that can be used to select among commercially available, or further design a customized, haptic hand-controller for robot-assisted neurosurgical systems. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., (Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Surgical error and resulting complication have significant patient and economic consequences. Inappropriate exertion of tool-tissue force is a common variable for such error, that can be objectively monitored by sensorized tools. The rich digital output establishes a powerful skill assessment and sharing platform for surgical performance and training. Here we present SmartForceps data app incorporating an Expert Room environment for tracking and analysing the objective performance and surgical finesse through multiple interfaces specific for surgeons and data scientists. The app is enriched by incoming geospatial information, data distribution for engineered features, performance dashboard compared to expert surgeon, and interactive skill prediction and task recognition tools to develop artificial intelligence models. The study launches the concept of democratizing surgical data through a connectivity interface between surgeons with a broad and deep capability of geographic reach through mobile devices with highly interactive infographics and tools for performance monitoring, comparison, and improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Knowledge of tool-tissue interaction is mostly taught and learned in a qualitative manner because a means to quantify the technical aspects of neurosurgery is currently lacking. Neurosurgeons typically require years of hands-on experience, together with multiple initial trial and error, to master the optimal force needed during the performance of neurosurgical tasks. The aim of this pilot study was to develop a novel force-sensing bipolar forceps for neurosurgery and obtain preliminary data on specific tasks performed on cadaveric brains. Methods A novel force-sensing bipolar forceps capable of measuring coagulation and dissection forces was designed and developed by installing strain gauges along the length of the bipolar forceps prongs. The forceps was used in 3 cadaveric brain experiments and forces applied by an experienced neurosurgeon for 10 surgical tasks across the 3 experiments were quantified. Results Maximal peak (effective) forces of 1.35 N and 1.16 N were observed for dissection (opening) and coagulation (closing) tasks, respectively. More than 70% of forces applied during the neurosurgical tasks were less than 0.3 N. Mean peak forces ranged between 0.10 N and 0.41 N for coagulation of scalp vessels and pia-arachnoid, respectively, and varied from 0.16 N for dissection of small cortical vessel to 0.65 N for dissection of the optic chiasm. Conclusions The force-sensing bipolar forceps were able to successfully measure and record real-time tool-tissue interaction throughout the 3 experiments. This pilot study serves as a first step toward quantification of tool-tissue interaction forces in neurosurgery for training and improvement of instrument handling skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]