Efficacy and safety of a new robot-assisted stereotactic system for radiofrequency thermocoagulation in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a newly developed robot-assisted frameless stereotactic system for deep electrode implantation and radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFTC). Deep-electrode implantation was performed in the bilateral mesial temporal lobes of seven patients. Following the implantation of the deep electrodes through the monitored designed path, the epileptogenic zones were determined with the assistance of a robot system. Deep electrode electroencephalograms were recorded prior to and following RFTC. Treatment outcomes were evaluated by computed tomography scans and Engel classification criteria. The procedure was well tolerated by all patients with no patients suffered from severe permanent complications. After follow-ups for 34-62 months, four patients achieved Engel class I, including three patients with Ia classification, two patients were classified as Engel class IVa and one patient was classified as Engel class IVc. Therefore, robot-assisted frameless stereotaxy for deep electrode implantation and RFTC is indicated to be a safe and effective method that may be used effectively in clinical practice.