Use of the NeuroMate stereotactic robot in a frameless mode for movement disorder surgery

Background/Aims: To evaluate the use of the NeuroMate stereotactic robot with a novel ultrasound registration system for movement disorder surgery (MDS). Methods: Using the robot in a frameless mode, 51 patients underwent MDS. Surgical planning was carried out using MRI data obtained more than 24 h before surgery. Results: 37 out of 50 targets in the subthalamic nucleus were satisfactorily identified with a single microelectrode trajectory and the final electrode positions were at a mean distance of 1.7 mm from the calculated target. There was a significant improvement in motor scores of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale III ( off medication) at 6 (43%) and 18 months (51.7%) compared to pre-operative scores (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The frameless robot using only MRI data can be used for MDS. The temporal separation of imaging from the surgical procedure provides additional time for detailed image analysis and planning. Copyright (C) 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel.