Robotic-Guided Bilateral Anterior Cingulate Radiofrequency Ablation (RF Ablation) is an advanced neurosurgical innovation by Dr. Ramesh Doddamani at AIIMS, New Delhi, designed to treat severe, treatment-resistant Obsessive‑Compulsive Disorder (OCD). OCD is a chronic psychiatric disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, which can be profoundly disabling when unresponsive to medications or behavioral therapies. In such refractory cases, neurosurgical modulation of specific neural circuits offers a promising therapeutic option.

This procedure employs robotic stereotactic guidance to precisely localize the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a key node in the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuit implicated in OCD. Controlled radiofrequency lesions are then applied bilaterally to modulate hyperactive neural pathways responsible for obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. By using robotic assistance, the surgery achieves high anatomical accuracy, minimizes human error, and reduces the risk of damage to surrounding brain structures.

The minimally invasive nature of the procedure leads to shorter operative times, reduced surgical trauma, and faster recovery, compared to traditional open neurosurgical approaches. Early clinical experience indicates significant improvements in OCD symptoms, enhanced quality of life, and sustained functional benefits for patients with otherwise refractory disease.

This innovation represents a significant advancement in functional neurosurgery for psychiatric disorders, combining precision technology with evidence-based neuromodulation principles. Dr. Doddamani’s work exemplifies the integration of robotics and stereotactic neurosurgery to safely and effectively target specific brain circuits, offering new hope for patients with severe, treatment-resistant OCD.