Use of the NeuroMate stereotactic robot in a frameless mode for functional neurosurgery

Background The aim of this paper is to describe the use of the NeuroMate stereotactic robot for functional neurosurgery with a novel frameless ultrasound registration system. Methods A retrospective review of the evaluation and clinical use of the NeuroMate stereotactic robot in a frameless mode for functional neurosurgery. Results Prior to its clinical use a phantom study was undertaken to demonstrate an application accuracy of 1.29 mm. Subsequently the robot has been used in 153 functional neurosurgical procedures including 113 deep brain stimulator implantations. Conclusions The NeuroMate stereotactic robot in a frameless mode has sufficient accuracy for a range of functional neurosurgical procedures, including movement disorder surgery. Copyright (C) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.