Application of Robotic Stereotactic Assistance (ROSA) for spontaneous intracerebral hematoma aspiration and thrombolytic catheter placement

J Formos Med Assoc. 2024 Jun 11:S0929-6646(24)00254-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jfma.2024.05.018. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Background: Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) accounts for up to 20% of all strokes and results in 40% mortality at 30 days. Although conservative medical management is still the standard treatment for ICH patients with small hematoma, patients with residual hematoma ≤15 mL after surgery are associated with better functional outcomes and survival rates. This study reported our clinical experience with using Robotic Stereotactic Assistance (ROSA) as a safe and effective approach for stereotactic ICH aspiration and intra-clot catheter placement.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of patients with spontaneous ICH who underwent ROSA-guided ICH aspiration surgery. ROSA-guided ICH surgical techniques, an aspiration and intra-clot catheter placement protocol, and a specific operative workflow (pre-operative protocol, intraoperative procedure and postoperative management) were employed to aspirate ICH using the ROSA One Brain, and appropriate follow-up care was provided.

Results: From September 14, 2021 to May 4, 2022, a total of 7 patients were included in the study. Based on our workflow design, ROSA-guided stereotactic ICH aspiration effectively aspirated more than 50% of hematoma volume (or more than 30 mL for massive hematomas), thereby reducing the residual hematoma to less than 15 mL. The mean operative time of entire surgical procedure was 1.3 ± 0.3 h, with very little perioperative blood loss and no perioperative complications. No patients required catheter replacement and all patients' functional status improved.

Conclusions: Within our clinical practice ROSA-guided ICH aspiration, using our established protocol and workflow, was safe and effective for reducing hematoma volume, with positive functional outcomes.

Keywords: ICH aspiration; Intra-clot thrombolysis; ROSA; Robotic stereotactic assistance; Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage.