ROSA® Robotic Surgical Assistant

The ROSA® robotic surgical assistant is a technology used in surgery for epilepsy, movement disorders and brain tumors. The ROSA stereo electroencephalography robot allows for greater accuracy in placing electrodes that show where seizures occur. The ROSA technology enables a faster, more precise, less invasive procedure. It also reduces the risks of surgery, accelerates healing and improves outcomes.

ROSA includes a software system and robotic arm. Robotic surgery supports precise placement of depth electrodes in brain surgeries. The electrodes are made of thin wires that are placed deep within the brain to detect seizure activity. ROSA robotic surgery offers many advantages:

• Eliminates the need for frame placement to immobilize the head
• Decreases procedure time by several hours
• Increases safety
• Improves accuracy of electrode placement for better outcomes

Any person in need of depth electrode placement could be a candidate for ROSA-guided surgery. Today, we are using ROSA primarily for people with epilepsy. We place depth electrodes that collect data to help us pinpoint the source of seizures. These are used in epilepsy surgery. ROSA would also be helpful in deep brain stimulation procedures used in epilepsy, movement disorder and brain tumor care.

ROSA software is used to support detailed presurgical planning. The locations of the brain's structures, such as blood vessels, are evaluated and optimal electrode placement is planned. The entry point and target of each electrode is mapped to create the optimal surgical paths. ROSA allows us to place electrodes deep within the brain in an accurate, efficient and minimally invasive manner.

Traditional methods are clinically effective, but ROSA robotic surgery is less invasive. With a traditional craniotomy, the skull is opened and the brain exposed. ROSA provides a minimally invasive option with precision and accuracy that allows for widespread monitoring. ROSA is also faster than traditional stereotactic frame-based methods.

During surgery, the robotic arm assists in precisely navigating to each predefined location. The robot provides instrument guidance as each electrode is placed into the brain. We make small incisions in the scalp and small holes in the skull to implant the electrodes.

We can complete ROSA-guided procedures in ½ the time of traditional procedures, such as open craniotomy. This promotes safety and recovery, as you spend less time under anesthesia. ROSA reduces the risk for human error and increases operational efficiency.