Novel untethered micro-robotic platform developed for minimally invasive ultra-selective microsurgical procedures and targeted drug delivery: Preliminary characterization of tissue response to intraparenchymal navigation in ovine brain.

BACKGROUND

To expand surgical options for safe, minimally invasive microsurgical procedures or targeted delivery of diverse therapeutics, a novel untethered micro-robotic platform is presented. This technology enables precision travel to predetermined central nervous system (CNS) parenchymal and complex cerebrospinal fluid pathway targets.

METHODS

Utilizing an ovine model, gross pathological and microscopic histopathological brain tissue reactions to the navigation of this micro-robot were compared to inserting standard neurosurgical catheters, routed from an occipital burr hole to the frontal lobe and then returning. Descriptions of the evolving tissue responses were documented at 24 h, 2, 12, and 26 weeks following the procedures.

RESULTS

No deaths or surgical complications occurred in either group. No neurological or behavioral differences were identified between the groups. No significant differences in gross or microscopic tissue pathology were identified when comparing the channels created by the micro-robot to the catheter control group.

CONCLUSION

These findings support the equivalence of tissue responses to this micro-robot navigation compared to catheter insertion as a preliminary surrogate for addressing the safety and accuracy of this novel platform. This platform may set a new standard for safe, anatomically precise, and minimally invasive therapeutic procedures. The described approach offers untethered navigation, capable of traversing CNS tissues in controlled, complex, curvilinear trajectories. Preliminary results utilizing this micro-robotic capacity to deliver diverse therapeutic payloads are discussed. Novel applications designed to address CNS pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases, epilepsy, neuro-oncology, and functional and microsurgical procedures, are proposed.