Three generations of robotic systems developed by MDA for the International Space Station have established Canada as the world leader in space robotics. This highly sophisticated technology is now paving the way for a revolutionary new generation of robotics for medical applications.

MDA, working in collaboration with the Seaman Family MR Research Centre, at the University of Calgary / Foothills Hospital in Calgary, is developing the neuroArm, a robotic tool for neurosurgery that represents the most advanced medical robotic device available in the world.

The neuroArm robotic system comprises two robotic arms, each with at least 6 degrees-of-freedom, and a third arm equipped with two cameras providing 3-D stereoscopic views. The system will function under the direct control of a surgeon at the robotic workstation for all intra-cranial functions.

The workstation incorporates a computer processor, handcontrollers to manipulate each arm, a joystick controller for positioning the camera and lights, three types of display and data/video recorders:

• a Video Display that presents a view of the surgical site taken by the stereo cameras. The 3D stereoscopic view provides the surgeon with a sense of depth
• an MR Display that shows the patient's MR scan with a virtual tool position superimposed in the image enabling surgeons to view and track the tool in real-time, facilitating image-guided surgery. The MR image may be enhanced to show the lesion margins to ensure the complete removal of tumours
• the Control Panel Display provides data on the system configuration, robot status, and force sensor data

The system allows for updated MR images to be obtained during all phases of an operation (pre, post and intra-operative) without moving the patient. 3D stereoscopic and MRI generated views provide real-time data to the surgeon.

Working with a specialized set of tools, neuroArm will be designed to perform soft tissue manipulation, needle insertion, blunt dissection, suturing, grasping of tissue, cauterizing, cutting, manipulation of a retractor, tool cleaning, suction and irrigation.

neuroArm will have two basic modes of motion - coarse and fine. Coarse motion will be used for the extra-cranial motions such as moving to the work site, tool change and tool cleaning. Fine motion is used for intra-cranial operations where motions are slower, but very precise.

The project will serve as a base platform that can be extended to other types of surgery. In particular, operations that require image guidance and precise motion. Future applications include spinal surgery, where intra-operative images can be used to guide tools to precise targets while avoiding critical structures.