Needle-based interventions with the image-guided surgery toolkit (IGSTK): from phantoms to clinical trials.

We present three image-guided navigation systems developed for needle-based interventional radiology procedures, using the open source image-guided surgery toolkit (IGSTK). The clinical procedures we address are vertebroplasty, RF ablation of large lung tumors, and lung biopsy. In vertebroplasty, our system replaces the use of fluoroscopy, reducing radiation exposure to patient and physician.

Surgical management of a paraclinoid aneurysm containing a displaced neuroform microstent: technical case report.

Objective: We report the first case of clip obliteration of a cerebral aneurysm containing a displaced microstent.

Clinical Presentation: A 63-year-old woman presented with a 6-month history of headaches. She had no other neurological symptoms, and her examination was normal.

Interventional robotic systems: applications and technology state-of-the-art.

Many different robotic systems have been developed for invasive medical procedures. In this article we will focus on robotic systems for image-guided interventions such as biopsy of suspicious lesions, interstitial tumor treatment, or needle placement for spinal blocks and neurolysis. Medical robotics is a young and evolving field and the ultimate role of these systems has yet to be determined.

Technology improvements for image-guided and minimally invasive spine procedures.

This paper reports on technology developments aimed at improving the state of the art for image-guided minimally invasive spine procedures. Back pain is a major health problem with serious economic consequences. Minimally invasive procedures to treat back pain are rapidly growing in popularity due to improvements in technique and the substantially reduced trauma to the patient versus open spinal surgery.

Robotically assisted nerve and facet blocks: a cadaveric study.

Rationale And Objectives: This study was performed to evaluate the feasibility of using a joystick-controlled robotic needle driver to place a 22-gauge needle for nerve and facet blocks.

Materials And Methods: Biplane fluoroscopy and a robotic needle driver were used to place 12 needles into the lumbar paraspinal region of an embalmed female cadaver (age at death, 98 years). Small metal BB nipple markers (1 mm in diameter) were inserted percutaneously to serve as targets.