Future of pain medicine: Computer- and robotic-assisted procedures

In considering the future of pain medicine, it is imperative to consider existing and evolving technologies that can assist in performing complex and challenging procedures. Applications of new technologies are becoming the mainstay in many medical specialties. Computer- and/or robotic-assisted procedures allow clinicians to perform safe and reproducible procedures using minimally invasive techniques. In conjunction with image guidance these procedures are gaining wider acceptance and are becoming welcomed tools in medicine. The field of pain management is ideal for the incorporation of computer and/or robotic assistance in its procedures. Most of the procedures entail delivering the treatment via small access points. The goal of reducing tissue trauma makes it even more challenging to reach the targeted location. The use of computer and/or robotics will allow for precision, accuracy, and reproducibility, factors often unattainable due to the multitude of uncontrolled variables. This is a model that allows physicians to augment their critical thinking with the robot's ability to promote accurate and efficient procedures. In addition, formal training sessions and multiple hours logged using the system will help with the clinicians' learning curve. The pain medicine platform will consist of a unit that is mobile, light, and versatile, allowing the use of multiple robotic arms with multiple degrees of freedom. In the future, the platform-specific costs and specialized instrumentation will need to be determined. If the precision of this system allows for no injuries to neurovascular structures, then the financial burden may be well worth considering.