Work

Robot-like dexterity without computers and motors: a review of hand-held laparoscopic instruments with wrist-like tip articulation

Year: 2016

Type: review

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Conventional manual laparoscopic instruments for minimally invasive surgery have limited dexterity within the patient, making procedures challenging. Surgical robotic systems offer enhanced articulation, but at substantial financial costs. This has motivated the development of high-dexterity, low-cost laparoscopic instruments. AREAS COVERED: This article reviews both commercial and academic results on creating fully mechanical (i.e. non-robotic) laparoscopic instruments that provide wrists or wrist-like dexterity within the patient. We review the state of the art in the development of these mechanical instruments, focusing on the surgeon interface, wrist mechanism, and the kinematic mapping between the two. Expert commentary: Current articulated mechanical laparoscopic instruments exhibit a wide range of designs, with no clear consensus on what makes such devices easy to use. As these technologies mature, user studies are needed to determine surgeon preferences. Articulated, low-cost instruments have the potential to impact the minimally invasive surgery market if they provide compelling benefits to surgeons.

Source: Expert Review of Medical Devices

DOI: 10.1586/17434440.2016.1146585

Authors: Patrick L. Anderson, Ray A. Lathrop, Robert J. Webster III

Institution: Vanderbilt University

Language: English

Topic: Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering

Award: Training Program for Innovative Engineering Research in Surgery and Intervention