Design and Development of Multi-axis Manipulator for Data Acquisition for Neurosurgery Applications.

Neurosurgery is the specialty of medical operations that deals with the nervous system such as the brain, spinal cord, etc. Stereotactic neurosurgery is an important technique in neurosurgery as it enables precise targeting of specific areas in the brain with minimal damage to surrounding tissues. Neuro-navigation is one of the most important techniques used in stereotactic neurosurgery to help accurately target specific brain locations during the operation. It involves a computer-based system that assists to create 3D images of the patient's face using imaging processes such as CT/MRI. In the existing process, considerable time is required to reach a specific target location of the tumor. The study presented in this manuscript consists of some mechanical assembly surrounding the patient's head and a preoperative imaging system. There are several problems associated with the technique. But the main challenge is an inoperative brain shift. There is an error in deviations from the target anatomy from the operative plan brain shifts up to 20 - 50 mm. It may affect the accuracy of targeting and treatment effectiveness. The paper represents the development of a multi-axis manipulator for the neurosurgery application. The main goal of the machine is to provide good accuracy at a low cost. This multi-axis manipulator can assist the neuro registration and perform physical movement of the surgical instrument. In this, the movement of the manipulator is controlled by using a microcontroller with different motors and drivers.