Use of the Globus ExcelsiusGPS System for Robotic Stereoelectroencephalography: An Initial Experience.

BACKGROUND: Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) is a critical tool used in the identification of epileptogenic zones. Although stereotactic frame-based SEEG procedures have been performed traditionally, newer robotic-assisted SEEG procedures have become increasingly common. In this study, we evaluate the accuracy, efficacy of the ExcelsiusGPS robot (Globus Medica, Audubon, PA) in SEEG procedures. METHODS: Five consecutive adult patients with drug resistant epilepsy were identified as SEEG candidates via a multidisciplinary epilepsy surgery committee. Preoperative scans were merged onto the robot to plan electrode placement. With the use of a camera system, dynamic reference base, and surveillance markers, the robotic arm was used to establish the trajectory of the electrodes. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans were merged onto the preoperatively planned trajectory and the radial, depth, and entry errors were calculated. Fiducial registration error was calculated for 4 cases to determine error between the patient and intraoperative CT merge. RESULTS: A total of 59 electrodes were placed. The mean age at surgery was 41.6 ± 15.1 years. Mean operating room time, anesthesia time, and surgical time was 301.6 ± 44.4 min, 261.6 ± 50.2 min, and 155.8 ± 48.8 min, respectively. The overall mean depth, radial, and entry errors were 2.5 ± 1.9 mm, 1.9 ± 1.5 mm, and 1.6 ± 1.2 mm. Mean fiducial registration error retrospectively calculated for 4 of 5 cases was 0.13 ± 0.04 mm. There were no perioperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: The initial performance of the ExcelsiusGPS robotic system yielded comparable results to other systems currently in use for adult SEEG procedures.

Neurosurgical Utilization, Charges, and Reimbursement After the Affordable Care Act: Trends From 2011 to 2019.

BACKGROUND: An estimated 50 million Americans receive Medicare health care coverage. Prior studies have established a downward trend in Medicare reimbursement for commonly billed surgical procedures, but it is unclear whether these trends hold true across all neurosurgical procedures. OBJECTIVE: To assess trends in utilization, charges, and reimbursement by Medicare for neurosurgical procedures after passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010. METHODS: We review yearly Physician/Supplier Procedure Summary datasets from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for all procedures billed by neurosurgeons to Medicare Part B between 2011 and 2019. Procedural coding was categorized into cranial, spine, vascular, peripheral nerve, and radiosurgery cases. Weighted averages for charges and reimbursements adjusted for inflation were calculated. The ratio of the weighted mean reimbursement to weighted mean charge was calculated as the reimbursement-to-charge ratio, representing the proportion of charges reimbursed by Medicare. RESULTS: Overall enrollment-adjusted utilization decreased by 12.1%. Utilization decreased by 24.0% in the inpatient setting but increased by 639% at ambulatory surgery centers and 80.2% in the outpatient setting. Inflation-adjusted, weighted mean charges decreased by 4.0% while reimbursement decreased by 4.6%. Procedure groups that saw increases in reimbursement included cervical spine surgery, cranial functional and epilepsy procedures, cranial pain procedures, and endovascular procedures. Ambulatory surgery centers saw the greatest increase in charges and reimbursements. CONCLUSION: Although overall reimbursement declined across the study period, substantial differences emerged across procedural categories. We further find a notable shift in utilization and reimbursement for neurosurgical procedures done in non-inpatient care settings.