Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Steffen Tretbar is a pioneer in the integration of ultrasound imaging with surgical robotics and navigation, with a primary focus on interventions at the lateral skull base. His research addresses a critical limitation of conventional CT-based surgical planning: radiation exposure and the lack of real-time intraoperative feedback. Tretbar’s major contributions lie in developing CT-free workflows that replace pre-operative CT data with intraoperative 3D ultrasound scanning. His landmark 2004 paper on ultrasound-based navigation for robotic drilling at the lateral skull base (13 citations) laid the groundwork for this approach. He further advanced the field with the first demonstration of a complete CT-free milling intervention, combining 3D ultrasound scanning, planning, and robotic execution (2008, 11 citations). His work on robot-based 3D ultrasound scanning registered with infrared navigation (2007, 5 citations) established a robust framework for real-time, radiation-free surgical guidance. By proving that ultrasound can provide sufficient accuracy for robotic procedures at the skull base, Tretbar has opened the door to safer, more adaptive surgical systems. His research remains foundational for anyone working on intraoperative imaging, surgical robotics, or minimally invasive navigation.