Craniotomy Automation
Craniotomy Automation - Related Videos
08:30
A Method to Make a Craniotomy on the Ventral Skull of Neonate Rodents
0 Views •
Cited by 6 •
2014
A surgical method is described to expose the ventral skull in neonate rats. Using this approach it is possible to open a craniotomy to perform acute electrophysiology and two-photon microscopy experiments in the brainstem of anesthetized pups.
09:25
A Craniotomy Surgery Procedure for Chronic Brain Imaging
0 Views •
Cited by 182 •
2008
This video and protocol demonstrate how to implant a glass-covered cranial window in rodents. These preparations can be used for chronic in vivo two-photon imaging of the neocortex over time scales of months. It may also be used for other types of imaging, including optical intrinsic signal imaging.
10:05
A Large Lateral Craniotomy Procedure for Mesoscale Wide-field Optical Imaging of Brain Activity
0 Views •
Cited by 18 •
2017
This protocol presents a method for creating a large unilateral craniotomy over the temporal and parietal regions of the mouse cerebral cortex. This is especially useful for real time imaging over an expansive area of a cortical hemisphere.
11:58
Minimally Invasive Thumb-sized Pterional Craniotomy for Surgical Clip Ligation of Unruptured Anterior Circulation Aneurysms
0 Views •
Cited by 2 •
2015
Minimally invasive thumb-sized pterional craniotomy for aneurysm clipping has afforded our patients with a shorter hospital stay at a lower cost compared to the national average.
08:06
Automated Acoustic Dispensing for the Serial Dilution of Peptide Agonists in Potency Determination Assays
0 Views •
Cited by 1 •
2016
Peptide adsorption to plasticware during traditional tip-based serial dilutions can significantly impact potency determination and confound the understanding of structure-activity relationships used for lead identification and lead optimization phases of drug discovery. Here methods for automated acoustic non-contact serial dilution of peptide samples are described.
FAQs
Preoperative imaging supplies the anatomical information used to construct a three-dimensional model of the skull and surrounding structures. From that model, the system can help define the intended bone flap and establish the tool trajectory before surgery begins. This planning step connects the patient’s recorded anatomy with the subsequent cutting strategy, supporting more consistent access planning in neurosurgical procedures.
A planned trajectory specifies how a robotic or programmable cutting instrument should approach and follow the intended opening, while safety boundaries help constrain that motion. Together, they translate the surgical plan into controlled tool guidance rather than leaving the cutting path entirely to manual execution. Their purpose is to support precision and consistency while accounting for the need to protect relevant anatomical regions.
Manual craniotomy depends more heavily on the surgeon’s execution of the planned opening, whereas an automated approach can combine imaging-based planning with navigation and programmable or robotic tool control. The resulting distinction is not simply automation versus no automation; it is the use of a defined digital plan and controlled trajectory to reduce procedure variability and support reproducible access to the brain.
The workflow begins with preoperative imaging, followed by construction of a three-dimensional anatomical model and definition of the planned bone flap. The system then establishes a cutting trajectory and uses navigation or a robotic or programmable instrument to guide or control the opening, with safety boundaries incorporated into the plan. These stages connect preparation, execution, and anatomical targeting.
Potential uses include creating access for tumor treatment, placing electrodes, and supporting experimental procedures involving the brain. In each setting, the value of automation lies in linking the access opening to a preoperative anatomical plan and a controlled cutting path. The approach may be especially relevant when consistent positioning and repeatable execution matter for the intended neurosurgical or research procedure.
In neuroscience, a consistent skull opening can support procedures that require access to the brain, including electrode placement and other experimental interventions. By using imaging, anatomical models, and guided tool control, automated systems may reduce differences between procedures. That potential reduction in variability can make experimental access more reproducible, helping researchers interpret outcomes across repeated neurosurgical or laboratory procedures.