Neurosurgery medical robot Remebot for the treatment of 17 patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage

Advances of surgical robotics: image-guided classification and application

Surgical robotics application in the field of minimally invasive surgery has developed rapidly and has been attracting increasingly more research attention in recent years. A common consensus has been reached that surgical procedures are to become less traumatic and with the implementation of more intelligence and higher autonomy, which is a serious challenge faced by the environmental sensing capabilities of robotic systems. One of the main sources of environmental information for robots are images, which are the basis of robot vision. In this review article, we divide clinical image into direct and indirect based on the object of information acquisition, and into continuous, intermittent continuous, and discontinuous according to the target-tracking frequency. The characteristics and applications of the existing surgical robots in each category are introduced based on these two dimensions. Our purpose in conducting this review was to analyze, summarize, and discuss the current evidence on the general rules on the application of image technologies for medical purposes. Our analysis gives insight and provides guidance conducive to the development of more advanced surgical robotics systems in the future.

Application of Robotic Stereotactic Assistance (ROSA) for spontaneous intracerebral hematoma aspiration and thrombolytic catheter placement

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) accounts for up to 20% of all strokes and results in 40% mortality at 30 days. Although conservative medical management is still the standard treatment for ICH patients with small hematoma, patients with residual hematoma ≤15 mL after surgery are associated with better functional outcomes and survival rates. This study reported our clinical experience with using Robotic Stereotactic Assistance (ROSA) as a safe and effective approach for stereotactic ICH aspiration and intra-clot catheter placement.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted of patients with spontaneous ICH who underwent ROSA-guided ICH aspiration surgery. ROSA-guided ICH surgical techniques, an aspiration and intra-clot catheter placement protocol, and a specific operative workflow (pre-operative protocol, intraoperative procedure and postoperative management) were employed to aspirate ICH using the ROSA One Brain, and appropriate follow-up care was provided.

RESULTS

From September 14, 2021 to May 4, 2022, a total of 7 patients were included in the study. Based on our workflow design, ROSA-guided stereotactic ICH aspiration effectively aspirated more than 50% of hematoma volume (or more than 30 mL for massive hematomas), thereby reducing the residual hematoma to less than 15 mL. The mean operative time of entire surgical procedure was 1.3 ± 0.3 h, with very little perioperative blood loss and no perioperative complications. No patients required catheter replacement and all patients' functional status improved.

CONCLUSIONS

Within our clinical practice ROSA-guided ICH aspiration, using our established protocol and workflow, was safe and effective for reducing hematoma volume, with positive functional outcomes.

Surgical evacuation of spontaneous cerebellar hemorrhage: Comparison of safety and efficacy of suboccipital craniotomy and robotic-assisted stereotactic hematoma drainage

OBJECTIVE

This study compared the efficacies of robotic-assisted stereotactic hematoma drainage and suboccipital craniotomy (SC) in patients with spontaneous cerebellar hemorrhage (SCH).

METHODS

This retrospective study included 138 non-comatose patients with SCH (Glasgow Coma Scale score [GCS] >8), divided into the SC and Robotic Stereotactic Assistance (ROSA) groups. The study recorded and analyzed complications and prognoses 90 days after ictus.

RESULTS

The inclusion criteria were met by 138 patients: 61 in the SC and 77 in the ROSA group, with no significant differences in sex, age, GCS score, hematoma volume, and the time from ictus to operation. The time of operation was greater in the SC group (287.53±87.57) than in the ROSA group (60.54±20.03). The evacuation rate (ER) was greater in the SC group (93.20±1.58) than in the ROSA group (89.13±2.75). The incidence of pneumonia and stress ulcers, as well as the length or costs of medical services, were lower in the ROSA group than in the SC group. Ninety days after ictus, the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Glasgow Prognostic Scale (GOS), and Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) scores significantly differed between the groups. The rate of good prognosis in the ROSA group was significantly higher compared with that in the SC group. The incidence of balance disorders was lower in the ROSA group than in the SC group; no statistically significant difference was found in the incidence of dysarthria and swallowing disorders.

CONCLUSION

Robotic-assisted stereotactic hematoma drainage may be suitable for non-comatose and stable condition patients with SCH. This procedure improves prognosis 90 days after ictus, lowers the incidence of pneumonia and stress ulcers, and reduces the length and costs of medical services.

Evolving Therapeutic Landscape of Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Emerging Cutting-Edge Advancements in Surgical Robots, Regenerative Medicine, and Neurorehabilitation Techniques

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most serious form of stroke and has limited available therapeutic options. As knowledge on ICH rapidly develops, cutting-edge techniques in the fields of surgical robots, regenerative medicine, and neurorehabilitation may revolutionize ICH treatment. However, these new advances still must be translated into clinical practice. In this review, we examined several emerging therapeutic strategies and their major challenges in managing ICH, with a particular focus on innovative therapies involving robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery, stem cell transplantation, in situ neuronal reprogramming, and brain-computer interfaces. Despite the limited expansion of the drug armamentarium for ICH over the past few decades, the judicious selection of more efficacious therapeutic modalities and the exploration of multimodal combination therapies represent opportunities to improve patient prognoses after ICH.

Review of robotic surgery platforms and end effectors

In the last 50 years, the number of companies producing automated devices for surgical operations has grown extensively. The population started to be more confident about the technology capabilities. The first patents related to surgical robotics are expiring and this knowledge is becoming a common base for the development of future surgical robotics. The review describes some of the most popular companies manufacturing surgical robots. The list of the company does not pretend to be exhaustive but wishes to give an overview of the sector. Due to space constraints, only a limited selction of companies is reported. Most of the companies described are born in America or Europe. Advantages and limitations of each product firm are described. A special focus is given to the end effectors; their shape and dexterity are crucial for the positive outcome of the surgical operations. New robots are developed every year, and existing robots are allowed to perform a wider range of procedures. Robotic technologies improve the abilities of surgeons in the domains of urology, gynecology, neurology, spine surgery, orthopedic reconstruction (knee, shoulder), hair restoration, oral surgery, thoracic surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and endoscopy.

Minimally invasive puncture combined with a high frequency of urokinase therapy improves outcomes in patients with HICH

Minimally invasive puncture combined with urokinase is widely used in the treatment of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH). However, the appropriate frequency of urokinase following minimally invasive puncture in patients is still unclear. In total, 55 patients were enrolled in this study. According to the frequency of urokinase (10.0 ​× ​104 units) administration, 30 patients received urokinase at Q4h, while the other 25 patients received urokinase at Q8h. In the univariate analysis, preoperative GCS (p ​= ​0.0002), postoperative GCS (p ​= ​0.0007), the volume of residual hematoma (p ​= ​0.0179), and the frequency of urokinase (p ​= ​0.0110) were associated with unfavorable outcomes in patients with HICH in the basal ganglia. The multivariate analysis revealed that the frequency of urokinase was independently associated with unfavorable outcomes in patients with HICH in the basal ganglia (p ​= ​0.038, 1.109-35.380). The drainage time was significantly shorter in the Q4h group (14.17 ​± ​0.86 ​h) than in the Q8h group (27.36 ​± ​1.39 ​h) (p ​< ​0.0001). The GOS (4.37 ​± ​0.18), BI (75.52 ​± ​2.39), and mRS (1.67 ​± ​0.24) in the Q4h group were significantly ameliorated compared to those in the Q8h group (GOS 3.56 ​± ​0.18, BI 64.13 ​± ​2.22, and mRS 2.64 ​± ​0.28, respectively) (p ​= ​0.0004, p ​= ​0.0002, and p ​= ​0.0018) at 3 months of follow-up. Thus, minimally invasive puncture combined with urokinase is safe and efficient. Increasing the frequency of urokinase administration can produce faster and better postoperative recovery for patients with HICH in the basal ganglia.

Surgical Robotics for Intracerebral Hemorrhage Treatment: State of the Art and Future Directions

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a stroke subtype with high mortality and disability, and there are no proven medical treatments that can improve the functional outcome of ICH patients. Robot-assisted neurosurgery is a significant advancement in the development of minimally invasive surgery for ICH. This review encompasses the latest advances and future directions of surgical robots for ICH. First, three robotic systems for neurosurgery applied to ICH are illustrated. Second, the key technologies of robot-assisted surgery for ICH are introduced in aspects of stereotactic technique and navigation, the puncture instrument, and hematoma evacuation. Finally, the limitations of current surgical robots are summarized, and the possible development direction is discussed, which is named "multisensor fusion and intelligent aspiration control of minimally invasive surgical robot for ICH". It is expected that the new generation of surgical robots for ICH will facilitate quantitative, precise, individualized, standardized treatment strategies for ICH.

Serum vascular endothelial growth factor and cortisol expression to predict prognosis of patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Cerebral hemorrhage is a common and severe complication of hypertension in middle-aged and elderly men.

AIM

To investigate the correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cortisol (Cor) and the prognosis of patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage.

METHODS

A hundred patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage were enrolled from January 2020 to December 2022 and assigned to the hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage group. Another 100 healthy people who were examined at our hospital during the same period were selected and assigned to the healthy group. Peripheral venous blood was collected, and serum Cor and VGEF levels were measured through enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

A statistically significant difference in serum Cor and VGEF levels was observed among patients with varying degrees of neurological impairment (P < 0.05). Serum Cor and VGEF levels were significantly higher in the severe group than in the mild-to-moderate group. Cor and VEGF levels were significantly higher in patients with poor prognoses than in those with good prognoses. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that serum Cor and VGEF levels were independent factors affecting hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Cor and VGEF are associated with the occurrence and development of hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage and are significantly associated with neurological impairment and prognosis of patients.

Surgical Navigation System for Hypertensive Intracerebral Hemorrhage Based on Mixed Reality

Hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH) is an intracerebral bleeding disease that affects 2.5 per 10,000 people worldwide each year. An effective way to cure this disease is puncture through the dura with a brain puncture drill and tube; the accuracy of the insertion determines the quality of the surgery. In recent decades, surgical navigation systems have been widely used to improve the accuracy of surgery and minimize risks. Augmented reality- and mixed reality-based surgical navigation is a promising new technology for surgical navigation in the clinic, aiming to improve the safety and accuracy of the operation. In this study, we present a novel multimodel mixed reality navigation system for HICH surgery in which medical images and virtual anatomical structures can be aligned intraoperatively with the actual structures of the patient in a head-mounted device and adjusted when the patient moves in real time while under local anesthesia; this approach can help the surgeon intuitively perform intraoperative navigation. A novel registration method is used to register the holographic space and serves as an intraoperative optical tracker, and a method for calibrating the HICH surgical tools is used to track the tools in real time. The results of phantom experiments revealed a mean registration error of 1.03 mm and an average time consumption of 12.9 min. In clinical usage, the registration error was 1.94 mm, and the time consumption was 14.2 min, showing that this system is sufficiently accurate and effective for clinical application.

The Efficacy of Mannitol Combined with 6-Aminocaproic Acid in the Treatment of Patients with Cerebral Hemorrhage and Its Impact on Immune Function

Objective

To determine the efficacy of Mannitol combined with 6-aminocaproic acid in the treatment of patients with cerebral hemorrhage, as well as its impact on the immune system.

Methods

The study subjects consisted of 122 patients with early intracerebral hemorrhage treated in our hospital from April 2019 to April 2022. Based on the different admission times, the participants were randomly divided into the control group and the study group in a ratio of 1:1. 6-Aminocaproic acid was used to treat patients in the control group, while Mannitol along with 6-aminocaproic acid was used to treat patients in the study group. Short form-36 health survey (SF-36) scores, hematoma volume changes, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, clinical efficacy, and changes in the immune function in patients from the two groups were analyzed and compared.

Results

The total efficacy of treatment in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group (x 2 = 9,375, P < 0.001). Patients in the study group had significantly higher scores in social function, mental health, physical function, and physiological function compared to those in the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, there was a significant reduction in NIHSS scores in patients from both groups, but a greater reduction was seen in patients from the study group (P < 0.05). After 2 weeks of treatment, the volume of cerebral edema was significantly smaller in patients from the study group than in those from the control group (P < 0.05). Before treatment, there was no significant difference in the number of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes between patients in the two groups. However, after treatment, patients in the study group had higher numbers of CD4+ T lymphocytes and lower numbers of CD8+ T lymphocytes compared to those in the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The combination of Mannitol and 6-aminocaproic acid appears to be very efficacious in the treatment of cerebral hemorrhage. It improves immune function, reduces neurological damage, and minimizes the volume of cerebral edema.

Minimally Invasive Surgery for Intracerebral and Intraventricular Hemorrhage

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), especially related to intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), is the most devastating type of stroke and is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Optimal management of ICH remains one of the most controversial areas of neurosurgery and no effective treatment exists for ICH. Studies comparing conventional surgical interventions with optimal medical management failed to show significant benefit. Recent exploration of minimally invasive surgery for ICH and IVH including catheter- and mechanical-based approaches has shown great promise. Early phase clinical trials have confirmed the safety and preliminary treatment effect of minimally invasive surgery for ICH and IVH. Pending efficacy data from phase III trials dealing with diverse minimally invasive techniques are likely to shape the treatment of ICH.

A Continuum Robotic Cannula with Tip Following Capability and Distal Dexterity for Intracerebral Hemorrhage Evacuation

OBJECTIVE

This paper aims to investigate a new continuum robot design and its motion implementation methods appropriate for a minimally invasive intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) evacuation.

METHODS

We propose a continuum robotic cannula, consisting of a precurved body and a 2-degree-of-freedom (DoF) flexible tip, monolithically fabricated. Kinematics model with cable elongation model, and a dedicated design optimization and motion planning algorithm were developed to enable the follow-the-leader (FTL) motion of the cannula. A task-dependent Jacobian-based closed loop control was also designed to track the cannula motion during the insertion and its independent tip motion.

RESULTS

Comprehensive experiments were conducted to verify the kinematic model and submillimeter motion coupling between the cannula precurved body and its flexible tip. The cannula was also capable of achieving FTL motion within around 2.5 mm shape deviation and control performance within submillimeter errors. It was finally demonstrated to be capable of the nonlinear insertion and tip manipulation in the brain phantom.

CONCLUSION

The new cannula design, together with the proposed algorithms, provides the unique ability to access ICH in a nonlinear trajectory and dexterous tip motion.

SIGNIFICANCE

These motion capabilities of the robot in such a slender form factor will lead to more complete ICH evacuation and reduced trauma to the healthy brain tissues.

Minimally Invasive Intracerebral Hemorrhage Evacuation: A review

Intracerebral hemorrhage is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. To date, there is no specific treatment that clearly provides a benefit in functional outcome or mortality. Surgical treatment for hematoma evacuation has not yet shown clear benefit over medical management despite promising preclinical studies. Minimally invasive treatment options for hematoma evacuation are under investigation but remain in early-stage clinical trials. Robotics has the potential to improve treatment. In this paper, we review intracerebral hemorrhage pathology, currently available treatments, and potential robotic approaches to date. We also discuss the future role of robotics in stroke treatment.

3D-Slicer Software-Assisted Neuroendoscopic Surgery in the Treatment of Hypertensive Cerebral Hemorrhage

Objective. To explore the 3D-slicer software-assisted endoscopic treatment for patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage. Methods. A total of 120 patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage were selected and randomly divided into control group and 3D-slicer group with 60 cases each. Patients in the control group underwent traditional imaging positioning craniotomy, and patients in the 3D-slicer group underwent 3D-slicer followed by precision puncture treatment. In this paper, we evaluate the hematoma clearance rate, nerve function, ability of daily living, complication rate, and prognosis. Results. The 3D-slicer group is better than the control group in various indicators. Compared with the control group, the 3D-slicer group has lower complications, slightly higher hematoma clearance rate, and better recovery of nerve function and daily living ability before and after surgery. The incidence of poor prognosis is low. Conclusion. The 3D-slicer software-assisted endoscopic treatment for patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage has a better hematoma clearance effect, which is beneficial to the patient’s early recovery and reduces the damage to the brain nerve of the patient.

A novel 3D-vision-based collaborative robot as a scope holding system for port surgery: a technical feasibility study

OBJECTIVE

A clear, stable, suitably located vision field is essential for port surgery. A scope is usually held by hand or a fixing device. The former yields fatigue and requires lengthy training, while the latter increases inconvenience because of needing to adjust the scope. Thus, the authors innovated a novel robotic system that can recognize the port and automatically place the scope in an optimized position. In this study, the authors executed a preliminary experiment to test this system's technical feasibility and accuracy in vitro.

METHODS

A collaborative robotic (CoBot) system consisting of a mechatronic arm and a 3D camera was developed. With the 3D camera and programmed machine vision, CoBot can search a marker attached to the opening of the surgical port, followed by automatic alignment of the scope's axis with the port's longitudinal axis so that optimal illumination and visual observation can be achieved. Three tests were conducted. In test 1, the robot positioned a laser range finder attached to the robot's arm to align the sheath's center axis. The laser successfully passing through two holes in the port sheath's central axis defined successful positioning. Researchers recorded the finder's readings, demonstrating the actual distance between the finder and the sheath. In test 2, the robot held a high-definition exoscope and relocated it to the setting position. Test 3 was similar to test 2, but a metal holder substituted the robot. Trained neurosurgeons manually adjusted the holder. The manipulation time was recorded. Additionally, a grading system was designed to score each image captured by the exoscope at the setting position, and the scores in the two tests were compared using the rank-sum test.

RESULTS

The CoBot system positioned the finder successfully in all rounds in test 1; the mean height errors ± SD were 1.14 mm ± 0.38 mm (downward) and 1.60 mm ± 0.89 mm (upward). The grading scores of images in tests 2 and 3 were significantly different. Regarding the total score and four subgroups, test 2 showed a more precise, better-positioned, and more stable vision field. The total manipulation time in test 2 was 20 minutes, and for test 3 it was 52 minutes.

CONCLUSIONS

The CoBot system successfully acted as a robust scope holding system to provide a stable and optimized surgical view during simulated port surgery, providing further evidence for the substitution of human hands, and leading to a more efficient, user-friendly, and precise operation.

Effect of Robot-Assisted Neuroendoscopic Hematoma Evacuation Combined Intracranial Pressure Monitoring for the Treatment of Hypertensive Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of robot-assisted neuroendoscopic hematoma evacuation combined intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring for the treatment of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH).

Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 53 patients with HICH undergoing neuroendoscopic hematoma evacuation in our department from January 2016 to December 2020 was performed. We divided the patients into two groups: the neuroendoscopic group (n = 32) and the robot-assisted neuroendoscopic combined ICP monitoring group (n = 21). Data on clinical characteristics, treatment effects, and outcomes were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed between these two groups.

Results: The operation time of the procedure of the neuroendoscopic group was significantly longer than that of the robot-assisted neuroendoscopic combined ICP-monitoring group (mean time 153.8 ± 16.8 vs. 132.8 ± 15.7 min, P < 0.001). The intraoperative blood loss was significantly less in the robot-assisted neuroendoscopic combined ICP-monitoring group than in the neuroendoscopic group (215.4 ± 28.3 vs. 190.1 ± 25.6 ml, P = 0.001). However, the patients undergoing neuroendoscopic had a comparable hematoma clearance rate with those undergoing robot-assisted neuroendoscopic combined ICP monitoring (85.2 ± 4.8 vs. 89.2 ± 5.4%, P = 0.997). The complications rate was greater in the endoscopic group (25%) than in the robot-assisted neuroendoscopic combined ICP-monitoring group (9.5%) but without significant difference (P = 0.159). We also found that the dose of used mannitol was significantly less in the ICP monitoring group (615.2 ± 63.8 vs. 547.8 ± 65.3 ml, P < 0.001) and there was a significant difference in modified Rankin scale (mRS) score at discharge, patients with less mRS score in the robot-assisted neuroendoscopic combined ICP monitoring group than in the neuroendoscopic group (3.0 ± 1.0 vs. 3.8 ± 0.8, p = 0.011). Patients undergoing robot-assisted neuroendoscopic combined ICP monitoring had better 6-month functional outcomes, and there was a significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.004). Besides, multivariable analysis shows younger age, no complication, and robot-assisted neuroendoscopic combined ICP monitoring were predictors of 6-month favorable outcomes for the patients with HICH.

Conclusion: Robot-assisted neuroendoscopic hematoma evacuation combined with ICP monitoring appears to be safer and more effective as compared to the neuroendoscopic hematoma evacuation in the treatment of HICH. Robot-assisted neuroendoscopic hematoma evacuation combined with ICP monitoring might improve the clinical effect and treatment outcomes of the patients with HICH.

Tripartite intensive intervention for prevention of rebleeding in elderly patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage (HICH) is the rupture and bleeding of vessels of the cerebral parenchyma caused by continuously elevated or violently fluctuating blood pressure. The condition is characterized by high disability and high mortality. Hematoma formation and resulting space-occupying effects following intracerebral hemorrhage are among the key causes of impaired neurological function and disability. Consequently, minimally invasive clearance of the hematoma is undertaken for the treatment of HICH because it can effectively relieve intracranial hypertension. Therefore, special attention should be given to the quality of medical and nursing interventions in the convalescent period after minimally invasive hematoma clearance.

AIM

The study aim was to determine the value of intensive intervention, including doctors, nurses, and patient families, for the prevention of rebleeding in elderly patients with HICH during the first hospitalization for rehabilitation after the ictal event

METHODS

A total of 150 elderly HICH patients with minimally invasive hematoma evacuation in our hospital between May 2018 and May 2020 were selected and equally divided into two groups of 75 each by their planned intervention. The control group was given conventional nursing intervention and the observation group was given tripartite intensive intervention. The length of hospital stay, cost, complication rate, satisfaction rate, and rebleeding rate during hospitalization were recorded. Changes in cerebral blood flow indicators were recorded in both groups. Changes in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, quality of life index (QLI) score, and health behavior score were evaluated at the National Institutes of Health.

RESULTS

Duration of hospitalization was shorter in the in the observation group than in the control group, the hospitalization cost was less than in the control group, and the rate of rebleeding during hospitalization was lower than in the control group (all P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups before treatment (all P > 0.05). The mean flow rate (Q_mean) and mean velocity (V_mean) of the two groups increased (P < 0.05), and the dynamic resistance and peripheral resistance decreased (P < 0.05). The Q_mean and V_mean in the intervention group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the dynamic resistance and peripheral resistance of the blood vessels were also lower in the intervention group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The difference in health behavior scores between the two groups before treatment was not significant (P > 0.05). In both groups, the scores for healthy behaviors such as emotion control, medication adherence, dietary management, exercise management, and self-monitoring were higher after than before treatment (P < 0.05), and the scores of healthy behaviors in the intervention group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the NIHSS and QLI scores between the two groups before treatment (P > 0.05). The QLI scores of the two groups increased (P < 0.05), and the NIHSS scores decreased (P < 0.05). The QLI scores of the intervention group were higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05), and the NIHSS score was correspondingly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The incidence of respiratory infections, pressure sores, central hyperpyrexia, and deep venous thrombosis was lower in the intervention group than in the control group. Accordingly, the satisfaction rate was higher in the treatment group than that in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Intensive intervention by doctors, nurses, and families of elderly patients with HICH reduced the rate of rebleeding during hospitalization. It also reduced the incidence of complications, promoted rehabilitation, improved the quality of life, and enhanced nerve function. Additionally, it improved satisfaction and promoted healthy behaviors.

Research progress and development trend of surgical robot and surgical instrument arm

BACKGROUND

In recent years, surgical robots have become an indispensable part of the medical field. Surgical robots are increasingly being used in the areas of gynaecological surgery, urological surgery, orthopaedic surgery, general surgery and so forth. In this paper, the development of surgical robots in different operations is reviewed and analysed. In the type of master-slave surgical robotic system, the robotic surgical instrument arms were located in the execution terminal of a surgical robot system, as one of the core components, and directly contact with the patient during the operation, which plays an important role in the efficiency and safety of the operation. In clinical, the arm function and design in different systems varies. Furtherly, the current research progress of robotic surgical instrument arms used in different operations is analysed and summarised. Finally, the challenge and trend are concluded.

METHODS

According to the classification of surgical types, the development of surgical robots for laparoscopic surgery, neurosurgery, orthopaedics and microsurgery are analysed and summarised. Then, focusing on the research of robotic surgical instrument arms, according to structure type, the research and application of straight-rod surgical instrument arm, joint surgical instrument arm and continuous surgical instrument arm are analysed respectively.

RESULTS

According to the discussion and summary of the characteristics of the existing surgical robots and instrument arms, it is concluded that they still have a lot of room for development in the future. Therefore, the development trends of the surgical robot and instrument arm are discussed and analysed in the five aspects of structural materials, modularisation, telemedicine, intelligence and human-machine collaboration.

CONCLUSION

Surgical robots have shown the development trend of miniaturisation, intelligence, autonomy and dexterity. Thereby, in the field of science and technology, the research on the next generation of minimally invasive surgical robots will usher in a peak period of development.

Use of emerging technologies to enhance the treatment paradigm for spontaneous intraventricular hemorrhage

The presence of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) portends a worse prognosis in patients presenting with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Intraventricular hemorrhage increases the rates of hydrocephalus, ventriculitis, and long-term shunt dependence. Over the past decade, novel medical devices and protocols have emerged to directly treat IVH. Presently, we review new technological adaptations to treating intraventricular hemorrhage in an effort to focus further innovation in treating this morbid neurosurgical pathology. We summarize current and historical treatments as well as innovations in IVH including novel procedural techniques, use of the Integra Surgiscope, use of the Artemis evacuator, use of BrainPath, novel catheter technology, large bore external ventricular drains, the IRRAflow, the CerebroFlo, and the future directions of the field. Technology and medical devices for both surgical and nonsurgical methods are advancing the treatment of IVH. With many promising new technologies on the horizon, prospects for improved clinical care for IVH and its etiologies remain hopeful.

Robot-assisted neurosurgery versus conventional treatment for intracerebral hemorrhage: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The aim of this review is to determine the efficacy and safety of robotic surgery for intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). PICO question was formulated as: whether robot-assisted neurosurgery is more effective and safer than conventional treatment for ICH with respect to drainage time, complications, operation time, extent of evacuation and neurological function improvement. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Wiley Online, OVID, Embase, Cochrane Library, Clinical Trails, Current Controlled Trials, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), OpenGrey and references of related papers. Key words included robot, robotic, hematoma, hemorrhage and neurosurgery. Then we used Microsoft Excel to collect data. Except from qualitative analysis, we did meta-analysis using Review Manager 5.3. 9 papers were included in qualitative synthesis, 6 in meta-analysis for rebleeding rate and 4 in analysis for operative and drainage time. Qualitative synthesis showed shorter operative time and drainage time, a larger extent of evacuation, better neurological function improvement and less complications in robotic group, while meta-analysis suggested that robot-assisted surgery reduced rebleeding rate compared to other surgical procedures, but whether it is superior to conservative treatment in preventing rebleeding still needs more proof. Meta-analysis for operative and drainage time should be explained cautiously because a significant heterogeneity existed and we supposed that differences in baseline characteristics might influence the results. Finally, we drew a conclusion that robotic neurosurgery is a safe and effective approach which is better than conventional surgery or conservative treatment with respect to rebleeding rate, intracranial infection rate and neurological function improvement.

A comparison of the efficacy, safety, and duration of frame-based and Remebot robot-assisted frameless stereotactic biopsy

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy, safety, and duration of Remebot robot-assisted frameless brain biopsy with those of standard frame-based stereotactic biopsy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 66 patients undergoing stereotactic brain biopsy in our department from January 2015 to January 2019 was performed. We divided the patients into two groups: the frame-based group (n = 35) and the Remebot robot group (n = 31). Data on clinical characteristics, total procedure length, overall discomfort, diagnostic yield, complications, and postoperative length of hospital stay were retrospectively reviewed and compared between these two groups.

RESULTS

No significant difference in diagnostic yield was detected in the two groups, with frame-based biopsy having a diagnostic yield of 91.4% and Remebot robot-assisted frameless brain biopsy having a diagnostic yield of 93.5%. The duration of the total procedure was 116.5 min for the frame-based biopsy and 80.1 min for the Remebot robot-assisted frameless brain biopsy (p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in complication rate or postoperative duration of hospitalization between the two groups. The overall patient discomfort in the frame-based group was significantly greater than that in the Remebot robot group (visual analog scale score 2.7 ± 1.2 versus 1.5 ± 0.7, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Remebot robot-assisted frameless brain biopsy was as efficacious and safe as standard stereotactic frame-based biopsy. However, frameless biopsy can alleviate the suffering of the patient and reduce the total duration of the procedure. Remebot robot-assisted frameless brain biopsy is easy to use and better accepted by patients than frame-based biopsy.