| MS Seminar

Name of the Speaker: Mr. Suhail Ansari T A (EE20S063)
Guide: Dr. Mohanasankar S
Online meeting link: https://meet.google.com/cvz-dejq-hgp
Date/Time: 9th May 2025 (Friday), 3:45 PM
Title: A Hybrid-Layered Platform for Image-Guided Navigation and Robot-Assisted Surgeries.

Abstract :

Image-Guided Surgery (IGS) is a rapidly evolving field where surgical precision, safety, and outcomes are enhanced through the integration of real-time imaging, navigation systems, and robotic tools. However, most existing commercial platforms are limited by proprietary architectures, rigid application-specific designs, and high implementation costs, hindering their adaptability across diverse surgical procedures and their adoption in resource-constrained settings. This work presents the design and validation of a Hybrid-Layered Platform for Image-Guided Navigation and Robot-Assisted Surgeries. The platform follows a modular and scalable architecture organized into distinct hardware, firmware, and software layers. It enables the seamless integration of multimodal imaging sources (such as CT, MRI, and ultrasound), dynamic patient registration methods, intraoperative navigation tools, and robotic actuation for precise execution of surgical plans. One of the key differentiators of this platform is its extensibility, allowing it to support various surgical applications with minimal reconfiguration.

The research is structured around three clinically relevant configurations: (i) a navigation system for pedicle screw placement in spine surgeries, (ii) a robot-assisted trajectory execution module for image-guided interventions, and (iii) a soft tissue guidance system leveraging tracked ultrasound imaging for real-time targeting. Extensive experimental validation was conducted using synthetic phantoms, benchtop mockups, and cadaver studies. These evaluations demonstrated sub-millimeter to low-millimeter targeting accuracy, improved reproducibility, and reduced intraoperative radiation exposure. Additionally, the software stack was designed to align with international standards for medical device software (IEC 62304) and risk management (ISO 14971), supporting future clinical translation. A major outcome of this research was the regulatory approval and commercial deployment of the spine navigation configuration under the brand name DISHAX™, after successfully receiving clearance from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), Government of India. This translational success highlights the platform’s real-world viability and underscores its clinical significance.