Robotically driven interventions: a method of using CT fluoroscopy without radiation exposure to the physician.

Overview

Radiation exposure to physicians' hands during interventional procedures with computed tomography (CT) fluoroscopic guidance may be high. A robot was developed that could hold, orient, and advance a needle, with CT fluoroscopic guidance. This robot could be either computer or joystick controlled. Twenty-three robotically guided percutaneous interventions were performed without complication. Physician radiation exposure was negligible during the CT fluoroscopy-guided procedures.