Project NeuroArm

As a continuation of the highly successful and internationally acclaimed intraoperative MRI neurosurgical program, the development of a MR compatible robot to assist with cranial (and non-cranial) microsurgery is proceeding. This program is on the leading edge (world-wide) of innovation and research, brings together experts (under the leadership of neurosurgery) in robotics, engineering, imaging, haptics and molecular biology. Our partners are the University of Calgary, the Calgary Health Region, and industry. The robotics program technology initiative, has the potential to revolutionalize the way that neurosurgery is performed in the future.

In 2008, full engineering sign off for the neuroArm robotic system was completed. Preclinical studies were performed and Health Canada, together with University of Calgary/ Calgary Health Region conjoint ethics board approvals for clinical application were acquired. The system was introduced to neurosurgery in a graded fashion and has been used on five patients, all with brain tumors. An index case was selected and the system was introduced to the media. This provided the University of Calgary with considerable international visibility, with articles appearing in various mediums. 

NeuroArm was featured in three documentary series including the Discovery Channel’s Daily Planet, CBC’s The Nature of Things with David Suzuki and a documentary from the BBC on medical frontiers entitled Superdoctors. The system was also featured in a number of prominent publications such as The London Times, The Economist, and The Times of India. This also produced a number of invited speaking engagements to neurosurgical conferences such as the Society of Neurological Surgeons and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, to teaching engagements at Dartmouth College and Johns Hopkins Hospital, and to influential policy-changing conferences as The Conference Board of Canada’s Centre for Advancing Health Innovations and The Science and Technology in Society forum in Kyoto, Japan. In this way, neuroArm innovation and the pathway to that innovation is shared around the world.

In June of 2008, the operating room that housed intraoperative MRI (iMRI) and neuroArm was closed for renovations and an upgrade from a 1.5Tesla magnet to a 3Tesla platform. This improvement to the imaging capability of the iMRI will also improve the abilities of the neuroArm system.  In parallel, neuroArm underwent modifications to allow full integration into the 3Tesla environment.  Further application of the robotic technology is slated to begin in January 2009. Related to the neuroArm project, a new CFI grant entitled MR-PET guided, robotic, molecular characterization of brain tumor for individualized therapy was prepared and considered for round 6 consideration.

During 2008, the research group continued to make progress in the development of cell-specific imaging technology. The project has required collaborations with multiple NRC institutes.  Cell and vascular specific single domain antibodies have been successfully attached to nanoparticles based on silicon-coated ferrous oxide. An animal model has been used to show both sensitivity and specificity.