Operative Technique and Nuances for the Stereoelectroencephalographic (SEEG) Methodology Utilizing a Robotic Stereotactic Guidance System.

The SEEG methodology has gained favor in North America over the last decade as a means of localizing the epileptogenic zone (EZ) prior to epilepsy surgery. Recently, the application of a robotic stereotactic guidance system for implantation of SEEG electrodes has become more popular in many epilepsy centers. The technique for the use of the robot requires extreme precision in the pre-surgical planning phase and then the technique is streamlined during the operative portion of the methodology, as the robot and surgeon work in concert to implant the electrodes. Herein is detailed precise operative methodology of using the robot to guide implantation of SEEG electrodes. A major limitation of the procedure, namely its heavy reliance on the ability to register the patient to a preoperative volumetric magnetic resonance image (MRI), is also discussed. Overall, this procedure has been shown to have a low morbidity rate and an extremely low mortality rate. The use of a robotic stereotactic guidance system for the implantation of SEEG electrodes is an efficient, fast, safe, and accurate alternative to conventional manual implantation strategies.

Robotic-Assisted Stereotaxy for Deep Brain Stimulation Lead Implantation in Awake Patients.

BACKGROUND: Robotic-assisted stereotaxy has been increasingly adopted for lead implantation in stereoelectroencephalography based on its efficiency, accuracy, and precision. Despite initially being developed for use in deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery, adoption for this indication has not been widespread. OBJECTIVE: To describe a recent robotic-assisted stereotaxy experience and workflow for DBS lead implantation in awake patients with and without microelectrode recording (MER), including considerations for intraoperative research using electrocorticography (ECoG). METHODS: A retrospective review of 20 consecutive patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral DBS lead implantation using robotic-assisted stereotaxy was performed. Radial error was determined by comparing the preoperative target with the DBS lead position in the targeting plane on postoperative computed tomography. Information regarding any postoperative complications was obtained by chart review. RESULTS: A novel method for robot coregistration was developed. We describe a standard workflow that allows for MER and/or ECoG research, and a streamlined workflow for cases in which MER is not required. The overall radial error for lead placement across all 20 patients was 1.14 ± 0.11 mm. A significant difference (P = .006) existed between the radial error of the first 10 patients (1.46 ± 0.19 mm) as compared with the second 10 patients (0.86 ± 0.09 mm). No complications were encountered. CONCLUSION: Robotic-assisted stereotaxy has the potential to increase precision and reduce human error, compared to traditional frame-based DBS surgery, without negatively impacting patient safety or the ability to perform awake neurophysiology research.