There are 100,000 radiosurgical procedures carried out worldwide each year using the Leksell stereotaxic frame. One innovative example of such a method where such a method is applied is the Gamma Knife. The Gamma knife ICON unit at LUHS KK in Lithuania is the only one in the Baltic States, and the number of operations performed yearly reaches 450-500.
Currently, two types of stereotaxic frames are used with the Gamma Knife ICON (Leksell G frame and Leksell Vantage). Leksell G frame for stereotactic head marking use for more than 25 years. A new generation Leksell Vantage frame has been used in radiosurgery since 2021. For the patient, this frame is attached manually to provide initial stability using adhesive straps, and then the frame is finally fixed with titanium studs to the skull bone. Such an attachment is not precise and is quite complicated, requires at least two medical staff, the attachment process itself is very inconvenient and impractical, and the attachment time is quite long and stressful for patients.
In order to increase the accuracy of the attachment while improving the accuracy of the Gamma Knife treatment operation and increasing the success of the treatment, the stress and speed up the actions of medical staff it is necessary to improve the mounting-positioning system of the original Leksell Vantage stereotaxic frame. The project aims to research and develop a prototype of a 3D positioning system for a stereotaxic frame used for stereotactic radiosurgery. The project carries out theoretical and experimental research, the results of which are a computational model and a pilot prototype that would be useful for continuing research into European projects, and offering the developed product to the medical sector worldwide.
Project funding:
KTU Research and Innovation Fund
Project results:
During the theoretical research, existing solutions for the positioning and fixing of the stereotaxic frame used in radiosurgery were identified. During the project, a unique system for positioning the stereotaxic frame on the patient’s head was modeled, consisting of hand pumps and an appropriate amount of specially designed pneumatic displacement actuators – silicone cushions. This system allows placing a stereotaxic frame with the participation of only one doctor, and no similar system has been found in the literature. Computational models were created and the characteristics of the displacement generated by the actuators at different internal pressures and different cushion shapes were determined. These computational models, together with the results, have been verified by experimental studies and will be used in further studies in order to find a rational form of actuators, in the presence of different patient head sizes and various pathologies. During experimental research, an experimental model of the 3D positioning system of the stereotaxic frame used in radiosurgery was created – a prototype consisting of actuators – inflatable, soft, silicone cushions, hand pumps with discharge valves, adjustable air distributors and adhesive (“velcro” type) straps for additional fixation of the actuators. The mock-up was tested in practice: initially by visually determining the fit on a human head mock-up, then in the LSMU clinic with different patients. The obtained results showed that using the prototype of the developed system, it is possible to successfully apply a stereotaxic frame with the participation of only one doctor in the process.
Due to the convenient design of the stereotaxic frame positioning system prototype, intuitive usability and simply manipulated fixation system, the procedure time is shortened. The standard procedure took an average of 15min 44s ± 1.24 (SD) and the prototype frame positioning system took an average of 10min 40s ± 0.62 (SD). Due to the shorter procedure time and more convenient use, less stress was found for patients and the doctor.
Period of project implementation: 2022-04-01 - 2022-12-31
Project partners: Lithuanian University of Health Sciences
