A research team led by Professor Ka-Wai Kwok from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) has developed an interactive multi-stage robotic positioner specifically designed for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided stereotactic neurosurgery. 

This groundbreaking technology represents a key breakthrough in MRI-guided stereotactic neurosurgery, enabling precise interventions, including deep brain stimulation (DBS), for the treatment of movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease. It also facilitates a wide range of therapeutic applications such as biopsy, drug delivery, ablation, and catheter placement within deep brain regions. 

In 2018, Professor Kwok’s team successfully created the world’s first robotic system capable of performing bilateral stereotactic neurosurgery in an MRI environment, addressing the challenges of long procedural times and complicated workflow. Collaborating with clinical experts Professor Wai-Sang Poon from the Department of Surgery at HKU, and Dr Danny Tat Ming Chan from the Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery at CUHK, the team has further refined the initial prototype. The system developed has been validated through cadaveric studies and skull model testing, demonstrating immense potential for integration into clinical practice. 

On May 22 (Wednesday), the researchers will hold a media event to showcase the prototype and discuss its applications. 

In addition, a flexible miniaturised robotic system for endoscopic surgery developed earlier by Professor Kwok’s team has secured venture capital for commercialisation and further advancements. Professor Kwok will introduce the start-up company incubated by HKU and Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks.

The details of the media conference:
Date: 22 May 2024 (Wednesday)
Time: 10:30am
Venue: Tam Wing Fan Innovation Wing Two, G/F Run Run Shaw Building, Main Campus, HKU (map)

Speakers:
Professor Ka-Wai Kwok, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, HKU
Professor Wai-Sang Poon, Clinical Professor (Surgery), Department of Surgery, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, HKU
Dr Danny Chan Tat-ming, Clinical Associate Professor (honorary), Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, CUHK
Dr Zhuoliang He, Post-doctoral Fellow, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, HKU

Media Enquiry:
Faculty of Engineering, HKU
Ms Becky Chung (Email: btschung@hku.hk) or
Ms Christina Chung (Tel: 39103324; Email: chungmc@hku.hk) or
Ms Charis Lai (Email: chariskc@hku.hk)