A bimanual teleoperated system for endonasal skull base surgery

Abstract

We describe transnasal skull base surgery, including the current clinical procedure and the ways in which a robotic system has the potential to enhance the current standard of care. The available workspace is characterized by segmenting medical images and reconstructing the available 3D geometry. We then describe thin, ¿tentacle-like¿ robotic tools with shafts constructed from concentric tube robots, and an actuation unit designed to robotically control them in a teleoperated setting. Lastly, we discuss the results of a proof-of-concept study in a cadaveric specimen, illustrating the ability of the robot to access clinically relevant skull base targets.