Comparative verification of control methodology for robotic interventional neuroradiology procedures

The use of robotics is emerging for performing interventional radiology procedures. Robots in interventional radiology are typically controlled using button presses and joystick movements. This study identified how different human–robot interfaces affect endovascular surgical performance using interventional radiology simulations.

Nine participants performed a navigation task on an interventional radiology simulator with three different human–computer interfaces. Using Simulation Open Framework Architecture we developed a simulation profile of vessels, catheters and guidewires. We designed and manufactured a bespoke haptic interventional radiology controller for robotic systems to control the simulation. Metrics including time taken for navigation, number of incorrect catheterisations, number of catheter and guidewire prolapses and forces applied to vessel walls were measured and used to characterise the interfaces. Finally, participants responded to a questionnaire to evaluate the perception of the controllers.

Time taken for navigation, number of incorrect catheterisations and the number of catheter and guidewire prolapses, showed that the device-mimicking controller is better suited for controlling interventional neuroradiology procedures over joystick control approaches. Qualitative metrics also showed that interventional radiologists prefer a device-mimicking controller approach over a joystick approach.

Of the four metrics used to compare and contrast the human–robot interfaces, three conclusively showed that a device-mimicking controller was better suited for controlling interventional neuroradiology robotics.