A new surgical robot could help hospitals save time and money by making frameless neurosurgery more accessible.

Renishaw’s new frameless patient registration module for the neuromate surgical robot, the neurolocate 2D module, has obtained a CE mark, and will now offer the neurolocate 2D module to hospitals across Europe.

The new neurolocate 2D module builds on Renishaw's neurolocate 3D module, which offers the same functionality but requires an intraoperative flat panel CT system, such as the Medtronic O-Arm. Instead, the new module requires just two X-rays to register patient position against the robot, reducing the need for costly equipment and also reducing radiation exposure.

The neuromate stereotactic robot can be used for a range of functional neurosurgical procedures, including electrode implantation for deep brain stimulation and stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG). It also has applications in biopsy, neuroendoscopy and research.

Renishaw's neurolocate modules allow the surgeon to accurately determine the position of the patient relative to the neuromate robot. The modules allow the patient to be brought directly into theatre on the day of surgery, saving time and money for the hospital and reducing procedure time for the patient.

Paul Fielder, technical manager at Renishaw’s Neurological Products Division, said: “The neurolocate 2D module is another example of how Renishaw is working to improve the surgical workflow, reduce procedure time and cut operating costs. The new module can work with pre-existing imaging systems already in a hospital, reducing equipment cost. For the patient, it can mean less time under anaesthesia and reduced radiation dosage.”