The evolution of brain surgery: Exploring the impact of continuum robotics

Abstract

Brain surgery requires at most accuracy and precision, yet current neurosurgical robots are limited in their ability to reach intracranial regions due to their rigid and inflexible nature. However, Continuum robots have great potential and are currently helping to change the face of neurosurgery as we know it. They overcome the challenges of conventional tools by providing much greater flexibility and control, consequently reducing recovery times and improving patient outcomes. Continuum robots are a class of robots characterized by their higher number of degrees of freedom. This flexibility and maneuverability lead to the possibility of minimally invasive procedures which were not possible with conventional methods. This paper profoundly reviews the major research done in the field of continuum robots in neurosurgery and to provide a comparative analysis along with a discussion of the same. The review discusses the state of neurosurgery before continuum robots, the limitations of conventional tools, and why continuum robots are looking so promising for the future of neurosurgery. A detailed comparative analysis of existing research is tabulated to highlight the current challenges and future scope in the development and application of continuum robots in brain surgery.