The aim of this study was to systematically review and meta-analyze the efficiency and safety of using the Robotic Stereotactic Assistance (ROSA®) device (Zimmer Biomet; Warsaw, IN, USA) for stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) electrode implantation in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a literature search was carried out. Overall, 855 nonduplicate relevant articles were determined, and 15 of them were selected for analysis. The benefits of the ROSA® device use in terms of electrode placement accuracy, as well as operative time length, perioperative complications, and seizure outcomes, were evaluated. Studies that were included reported on a total of 11,257 SEEG electrode implantations. The limited number of comparative studies hindered the comprehensive evaluation of the electrode implantation accuracy. Compared with frame-based or navigation-assisted techniques, ROSA®-assisted SEEG electrode implantation provided significant benefits for reduction of both overall operative time (mean difference [MD], -63.45 min; 95% confidence interval [CI] from -88.73 to -38.17 min; P < 0.00001) and operative time per implanted electrode (MD, -8.79 min; 95% CI from -14.37 to -3.21 min; P = 0.002). No significant differences existed in perioperative complications and seizure outcomes after the application of the ROSA® device and other techniques for electrode implantation. To conclude, the available evidence shows that the ROSA® device is an effective and safe surgical tool for trajectory-guided SEEG electrode implantation in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, offering benefits for saving operative time and neither increasing the risk of perioperative complications nor negatively impacting seizure outcomes.
Keywords: Robotic Stereotactic Assistance (ROSA®); depth electrode implantation; efficacy; epilepsy; stereoelectroencephalography.