Brain biopsy performed with the RONNA G3 system: a case study on using a novel robotic navigation device for stereotactic neurosurgery.

BACKGROUND: Robotic neuronavigation is becoming an important tool for neurosurgeons. We present a case study of a frameless stereotactic biopsy guided by the RONNA G3 robotic neuronavigation system.

METHODS: A 45 year-old patient with a history of vertigo, nausea and vomiting was diagnosed with multiple periventricular lesions. Neurological status was unremarkable. A frameless robotic biopsy of a brain lesion was performed.

RESULTS: Three tissue samples were obtained. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Histological analysis showed a B-cell lymphoma. After merging the preoperative CT scan with the postoperative MRI and CT scans, the measured error between the planned and the postoperatively measured entry point was 2.24 mm and the measured error between the planned and postoperatively measured target point was 2.33 mm.

CONCLUSIONS: The RONNA G3 robotic system was used to navigate a Sedan brain biopsy needle to take tissue samples and could be a safe and precise tool for brain biopsy.