Haptic feedback in robotic endovascular neurosurgical intervention: A necessity or a commodity?

Abstract

Traditionally, both visual and haptic feedback have been regarded as elementary aspects of endovascular neurosurgical intervention. The literature acknowledges that the lack of haptic feedback and the reliance on visual feedback alone in robotic endovascular neurosurgical intervention (RENI) is a limitation. However, several operators who are at the forefront of applying this technology appear to have become quickly accustomed to visual feedback alone. Some have explained their initial scepticism, but upon using the technology they eventually saw the lack of haptic feedback as less of an obstacle and started to regard visual feedback alone as a feasible and safe means to perform procedures. Therefore, this begs the question as to whether haptic feedback is in effect a necessity or a commodity. In this commentary, several considerations are made, presenting arguments supporting the idea that haptic feedback may not be an absolute necessity, and their potential counterarguments. Such reflection and discussion on the topic of haptic feedback in RENI is timely and presently warranted to guide its research and development.