title: Robot-assisted microscope for neurosurgery.
abstract: We describe the implementation of a robotic arm connected to a neurosurgical operative microscope. A force feedback sensor drives the motors of the arm in response to the positioning of the microscope by the surgeon. Computer graphic techniques allow tracking of the current position of the microscope within the volumetric reconstruction of the brain. The integration of the prototype into the neurosurgical operating room is currently being evaluated. Preliminary comments on this experimental phase are offered.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland Medical System, Baltimore 21201, USA.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Giorgi
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Eisenberg
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Costi
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gallo
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Garibotto
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Casolino
mesh_terms: D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction; D003196:Computer Graphics; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000295:instrumentation*; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D009493:Neurosurgery / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012371:Robotics; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed