Navigation refers to the use of real-time imaging and advanced tracking techniques to guide and monitor medical procedures within the body. It involves accurately visualizing the movement and positioning of instruments or catheters in relation to anatomical structures using MRI images, enabling precise and minimally invasive interventions. Navigation techniques can enhance the safety, accuracy, and effectiveness of procedures like biopsies, ablations, or catheter insertions by providing continuous feedback and visualization during the intervention.
µRIGS System
The µRIGS project [1], which stands for “micropositioning robots for image-guided surgeries,” aims to simplify magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) interventions and provide patients with precise and efficient treatment through a semi-autonomous system for remote manipulation of instruments. The system assists surgical teams in minimally invasive, image-guided surgeries, allowing medical tools to be positioned relative to the patient within an MRI. Due to its compact design, partial automation, and remote control capabilities, doctors can perform procedures gently even within the confined space of an MRI tunnel. The µRIGS system is particularly useful for the accurate detection and treatment of tumors. Its simple and cost-effective design enables a wide range of clinical procedures while maintaining cost efficiency. Patients benefit from the system as many interventions can be performed directly during the MRI, eliminating the need for a separate surgery appointment.
In 2023, the µRIGS system won the prestigious Hugo-Junkers-Award from Ministry of Science, Energy, Climate Protection and Environment of the State of Saxony-Anhalt in the category “Most innovative projects in applied research”.
References
[1] Fomin et al. “μRIGS – Ultra-light Micropositioning Robotics for Universal MRI Guided Interventions” Current Directions in Biomedical Engineering 7 (2021): 81-85