Simple methods to test the accuracy of MRgFUS robotic systems.

BACKGROUND Robotic-assisted diagnostic and therapeutic modalities require a highly accurate performance to be certified for clinical application. In this paper, three simple methods for assessing the accuracy of motion of Magnetic Resonance-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) robotic systems are presented. METHODS The accuracy of motion of a 4 degrees of freedom (DOF) robotic system intended for preclinical use of MRgFUS was evaluated by caliper-based and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) methods, as well as visually by performing multiple ablations on a plastic film. RESULTS The benchtop results confirmed a highly accurate motion in all axes of operation. The spatial positioning errors estimated by MRI evaluation were defined by the size of the imaging pixels. Lesions arrangement in discrete and overlapping patterns confirmed satisfactory alignment of motion trajectories. CONCLUSIONS We believe the methods presented here should serve as a standard for evaluating the accuracy of motion of MRgFUS robotic systems. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.