For the first time, robots removed brain tumors

For the first time in the world, robots help surgeons in Canada extract tumors from the brain of a 21-year-old patient.

Paige Nickason patient suffered from a fibroids, a benign form that developed on nerves and had a tumor removal. However, she was asked to receive a robot surgery after doctors discovered another tumor affecting the olfactory function. The surgery performed by NeuroArm robot on May 12 and lasted for 9 hours.

According to Professor Garnette Sutherland, head of Calgary University's robot development team, NeuroArm can perform operations in places where the doctor's hand cannot reach. Controlled and guided through the computer, NeuroArm's delicate hands crept deep into the patient's brain and performed operations to remove tumors that were inserted into nerves, with more precision and meticulousness than with the doctor. After 2 days of surgery, the patient recovered and was discharged.

NeuroArm (Photo: medgadget.com)

Manufacturers NeuroArm said that this robot could revolutionize all forms of medical surgery. It allows doctors to make the most of the capabilities and advantages of both humans and machines. NeuroArm is the first surgical robot in the world to work in parallel with the system of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the operating room. With images of ongoing MRI surgery, doctors can promptly adjust NeuroArm's operation to minimize the risk of life-threatening patients.

The use of robots has been shown to significantly improve surgical outcomes, especially the complex forms of surgery associated with the nervous system, because NeuroArm does not experience 'hand shake' like doctors. Professor Garnette said that not only surgery, NeuroArm can also do a biopsy without invading the patient's body.