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Felducials: Non-invasive fiducial markers for robotic neurosurgery and neuroimaging precision

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This technology is a set of fiducial markers that attach to the surgical head holder during robotic neurosurgery to improve precision of volumetric computed tomography scans. It can be applied to any frame based procedure where increased accuracy is desired.

Unmet Need: Fiducial markers for orienting surgical and imaging equipment during robotic surgery as well as other frame based navigation procedures

Fiducial markers are needed to appropriately orient and reach specific anatomical features for complex robotic and navigated surgeries. Current methods to orient surgical head holders for robotic surgery and neuroimaging include implanting fiducial markers in the skull near the region of interest. This invasive procedure increases surgical risks, patient discomfort and recovery time. Facial recognition software is being used to non-invasively obtain orientation. However, these methods are slower and not as accurate. There is a need for a marker that can accurately guide surgical navigation without further cost to the patient.

The Technology: Non-invasive and head holder-compatible fiducial marker for the enhancement of robotic surgery precision

This technology is a set of fiducial markers that directly attach to common existing surgical robotic head holders, eliminating the need for implantation into a patient’s skull during neurosurgery. This enables guided robotic acquisition or any frame based navigation system of computed tomography scans with high sub-mm accuracy in a time-efficient manner.

This technology is currently undergoing clinical validation.

Applications:

Fiducial marker for:

  • Neuroimaging
  • Robotic neurosurgery
  • Imaging and robotic surgery in other clinical specialties

Advantages:

  • Non-invasive method of obtaining highly accurate navigation for all procedures which utilize frame-based navigation, such as guiding robotic surgery equipment during computed tomography (CT) scans
  • Compatible with existing Cosman-Roberts-Wells (CRW) surgical head holder screw holes
  • Faster and more accurate than facial recognition software (best current non-invasive method)
  • Improves facial recognition software accuracy, if used in conjunction

Lead Inventors:

Neil A. Feldstein, M.D.

Guy M. McKhann, M.D.

Related Publications:

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