Yoshitaka Masutani

The University of Tokyo, Tokyo Women's Medical University

Papers

Total Citations

345

H-Index

About

Yoshitaka Masutani is a pioneering figure in the field of medical robotics and computer-assisted surgery, with a primary focus on stereotactic neurosurgery. His most significant contribution is the development of an MRI-compatible needle insertion manipulator, a groundbreaking innovation that addressed the critical challenge of performing precise neurosurgical procedures within the high-field environment of magnetic resonance imaging. This work, detailed in his highly cited 1995 paper (304 citations), enabled real-time, high-resolution imaging during surgery, dramatically improving targeting accuracy for biopsies and deep brain stimulation. Masutani’s manipulator was among the first to overcome the constraints of MRI, using non-ferromagnetic materials and specialized actuators to avoid interference. His research also advanced computer-aided surgery (CAS) systems, integrating preoperative planning with intraoperative navigation. With over 300 citations for his seminal work alone, Masutani’s contributions have laid the foundation for modern MRI-guided neurosurgical robots, influencing both clinical practice and subsequent robotic designs. His achievements are particularly notable for merging mechanical engineering, imaging science, and surgical precision, making him a key architect of the emerging field of interventional MRI.