Robotic Modification of Cranial Implants

Cranioplasty is a procedure used to repair an opening or defect in the skull. Surgeons may use a customized cranial implant designed from a patient’s medical images, but the implant can still require modification during surgery to achieve the intended fit. Manual resizing can take time and depends heavily on repeated measurement and adjustment.

This project is developing a robotic, computer-integrated workflow for modifying customized cranial implants during a single-stage procedure. The system is designed to use surgical and imaging information to guide precise changes to the implant while the patient remains in the operating room.

Our research evaluates whether robotic modification can improve the accuracy and consistency of implant resizing while reducing the time required for manual adjustment. The broader goal is to support surgeons in achieving a better fit, streamline the reconstructive workflow, and reduce complications associated with poorly fitting implants. The system is intended to assist surgical decision-making while keeping the surgeon in control of the procedure.