MEDICAL EMS
The future of neurosurgery in the robotic era
Dave Walsha, sales and marketing director at drive system supplier Electro Mechanical Systems, investigates the role of advanced motor design in developing neurosurgical robots.
Soon, surgical robots may hold the power to more precise than ever before. Surgical robots have already improved procedures such as appendectomies and colectomies in general surgery. Their precision leads to fewer complications, minimised neurosurgery presents an even greater challenge due to the delicate and complex structures of the brain and spinal cord. Currently, robotic systems assist in some neurosurgeries, such as stereotactic procedures, which use imaging to position surgical instruments neurosurgeries today, surgical robots either play an assistive or non-existent role. So, what advancements would allow them to adopt more
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SUB-MILLIMETRE PRECISION Neurosurgery demands extreme accuracy, as even the slightest deviation could damage surrounding healthy tissue and result in impaired Because of this, surgical robots must be
hat if the future of neurosurgery isn’t just in the hands of surgeons?
exceptionally precise to be viable in neurosurgery. can be used to hold tools steady in position or to perform cutting or suturing actions. The drive system of a robot arm needs to transmit exact, controlled motion to the robot joints, then to the grippers or other end effectors without any overshoot. Additionally, even when the robot arms are static, they need to continuously provide high torque, or holding torque, to retain absolute stability. Brushless drives with integrated gears and encoders offer a promising solution. Brushless technology delivers smooth operation, high- resolution encoders enable sub-millimetre positioning and gears enhance torque output to ensure steady holding force even at a standstill. Advanced motor design with these integrated technologies will be crucial in developing surgical robots tailored to neurosurgery’s exacting demands.
SENSE OF TOUCH Another priority will be enabling reliable is critical for accurate force application. The human capability for tactile sensation allows surgeons to feel subtle changes in tissue resistance, helping them distinguish between
healthy and abnormal tissue. pressure and sensitivity needed for different The drive system plays a core role in effectively
a transformative difference. With responsive control, smooth torque and 4-quadrant operation, these cogging-free motors enable the pressure to apply. The compact, high-power neurosurgery, this could open up the potential for more minimally invasive procedures that require
RAPID ADAPTABILITY The next leap for surgical robotics is autonomy. While current robotic systems primarily serve as highly controlled tools under a surgeon’s command, future systems could incorporate AI managing sutures or stabilising position in real time. This AI-driven dynamic adaptability would outcomes with faster, safer surgeries. in AI suggest it could be a reality for the machine learning, real-time data processing and advanced drives, the future of neurosurgery
28 February 2025 Irish Manufacturing
www.irish-manufacturing.com
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