Robotic virtual endoscopy: development of a multidirectional rigid endoscope.
BACKGROUND
The use of neuroendoscopy has increased in the past 20 years. Despite an increase in the number of indications for use, novel adjuncts and modifications to existing endoscopes remain all but nonexistent. We introduce a robotic virtual endoscope with applications for neurosurgery that could serve as a novel step in the evolution of future endoscopic technologies.


METHODS
Over the past 8 years, we have worked on the construction of a prototype endoscope with three degrees of freedom that was designed to allow for enhanced safety while maximizing the benefits of virtual field rendition and robotic control. We have developed a prototype to examine a cerebral ventricular model in vitro that functions via either a direct video- or computer-based interface.


RESULTS
Assessment of viewing angulation with robotic feedback has verified the accuracy of the prototype. Models support the ability of the endoscope to localize regions identified via a software interface.


CONCLUSIONS
The endoscope is a rigid virtual robotic endoscope that provides complete visual coverage of a three-dimensional space by controlling an adjustable viewing direction with three degrees of freedom.
Levy
Michael L
ML
Division of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Diego, Childrens Hospital of San Diego, San Diego, California, USA. mlevy@chsd.org
Nguyen
Andy
A
Aryan
Henry
H
Jandial
Rahul
R
Meltzer
Hal S
HS
Apuzzo
Michael L J
ML
D019723:Endoscopes / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D020547:Lateral Ventricles / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery; D008029:Lighting / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D038361:Neuronavigation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D055095:Optics and Photonics / Q000295:instrumentation; D012371:Robotics / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D012984:Software / Q000639:trends; D013687:Telencephalon / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D014696:Ventriculostomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods