Automated Implant Modification in Neuroplastic Surgery

/ Overview

This project involved the design and development of a robotic system to perform precise, intraoperative modification of patient-specific customized cranial implants during single-stage cranioplasty. The integrated workflow combines preoperative surgical planning, intraoperative imaging, registration, and robotic implant modification to ensure an optimal fit between the resized implant and the patient’s cranial defect. The system can make complex geometric adjustments to the implant, leading to reduced operative duration, improved accuracy, and enhanced cosmetic and functional outcomes for patients undergoing cranial reconstruction.

/ Key Contributions

• Pioneered an automated robotic workflow for intraoperative resizing of customized cranial implants, achieving higher accuracy than manual surgeon-dependent modifications.
• Developed the robotic cutting system along with the imaging system to enable real-time implant modifications
• Validated the system's performance through cadaver studies, showing millimeter-level precision in implant fit and significant reductions in operative duration compared to traditional manual approaches