P.006 Engineering neurosurgery: role of inter-disciplinary collaboration in development of a remote controlled stereotactic system

Abstract

Background: Well-crafted engineering solutions have overcome technical challenges faced by surgeons. We present a collaborative effort to develop an innovative solution aimed at saving time and subsequently operating room costs in procedures utilizing a traditional stereotactic system. Methods: We met with our University’s local engineering team to collaborate a solution over a much-appreciated intra-operative technology gap with respect to mechanical adjustment of a stereotactic frame’s co-ordinates. AUTO-CAD software simulated our design, which was materialized with a 3D printer using PLA (polyactic acid). Results: We present a novel stereotactic system where co-ordinates can be digitally entered remotely to localize a point in 3D space. As such, this automated stereotactic frame decreases operative time when compared to manually adjusting a traditional stereotactic system such as the Leksell system. In addition our remote controlled stereotactic system helps minimize human-factor risks and allows one the option to modify stereotactic system co-ordinates from a non-sterile field. Conclusions: Marriage between Engineering and Neurosurgery can improve clinical outcomes for patients suffering from neurological diseases. We provide a grass roots organization’s attempt at overcoming an operative need by designing a remote controlled stereotactic system.