MRI-compatible robot enters clinical trial for Parkinson’s treatment

USA – AiM Medical Robotics has launched its first human clinical trial to assess the efficacy of its MRI-compatible stereotactic neurosurgery robot for deep brain stimulation (DBS) in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

This collaborative study is being conducted at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) in Boston, within the Advanced Multimodality Image-Guided Operating (AMIGO) Suite—a state-of-the-art facility designed for complex neurosurgical procedures. ​

The trial aims to evaluate the robot’s ability to deliver DBS leads with real-time MRI guidance, enhancing the precision and safety of the procedure.

Parkinson’s disease patients often undergo DBS to alleviate motor symptoms, and the integration of MRI guidance is expected to improve targeting accuracy and reduce complications associated with brain shift during surgery. ​

Advancements in robotic neurosurgery

AiM’s stereotactic neurosurgery robot is the culmination of nearly 15 years of research and US $15 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The device is designed to operate within the MRI environment, allowing for continuous soft tissue imaging during surgery.

This capability addresses challenges such as brain shift, which can lead to misplacement of DBS leads if not properly accounted for. ​

In a recent cadaver trial conducted at the PracticePoint facility at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, the robot successfully delivered bilateral DBS leads using real-time MRI guidance.

The procedure demonstrated high efficiency and accuracy, showcasing the system’s potential for clinical application. ​

Collaborative efforts and technological integration

The study is a joint effort between AiM Medical Robotics, BWH, and the Surgical Navigation and Robotics (SNR) Lab at Harvard University.

The collaboration aims to validate the robot’s performance in a clinical setting and explore its potential for broader applications in neurosurgery. ​

Additionally, AiM has partnered with Synaptive Medical, a Toronto-based medical technology firm, to integrate its Modus Nav neuro-navigation software with the robotic system.

This integration is expected to enhance visualization, navigation, and control during neurosurgical procedures, optimizing workflow and maintaining precision and efficiency. ​