Use of the NeuroMate Stereotactic Robot in a Frameless Mode for Movement Disorder Surgery

Abstract

<i>Background/Aims:</i> To evaluate the use of the NeuroMate stereotactic robot with a novel ultrasound registration system for movement disorder surgery (MDS). <i>Methods:</i> Using the robot in a frameless mode, 51 patients underwent MDS. Surgical planning was carried out using MRI data obtained more than 24 h before surgery. <i>Results:</i> 37 out of 50 targets in the subthalamic nucleus were satisfactorily identified with a single microelectrode trajectory and the final electrode positions were at a mean distance of 1.7 mm from the calculated target. There was a significant improvement in motor scores of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale III (off medication) at 6 (43%) and 18 months (51.7%) compared to pre-operative scores (p < 0.05). <i>Conclusions:</i> The frameless robot using only MRI data can be used for MDS. The temporal separation of imaging from the surgical procedure provides additional time for detailed image analysis and planning.