Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary has become the first in the UK to install a cutting-edge robotic system for brain surgery.
The advanced device, known as ExcelsiusGPS, featuring a robotic arm and 3D imaging interface, enables neurosurgeons to perform highly precise procedures, tackling complex operations with accuracy beyond human ability.
Surgeons have been testing and refining the technology over recent months, and now patients with movement disorders like Parkinson’s or epilepsy can access robot-assisted treatments if suitable.
Akbar Hussain, a neurosurgeon at Newcastle Hospitals, praised the development, highlighting the hospital’s leadership in neurotechnology: ‘The development of robotics in neurosurgery is happening at great pace and we’re passionate about staying at the forefront of this – to enhance what we can do for patients and to give teams access to the best technology.
‘Our track record of testing and adopting new robotics puts us in a strong position to be the first UK hospital to launch this advanced system. We’re already using technologies like virtual reality to undertake advanced surgical planning, robotics in spinal surgery, plus other tools for some brain surgery.’
He added: ‘I’m excited that our work has led to the recent designation of Newcastle Hospitals as the NHS National Centre for Neurotechnology and Neurorestoration, putting us in a position to pioneer even more cutting-edge approaches in the region.’
