Modular Robotic Surgical Arms for Small-Incision Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally invasive surgical technologies, such as laparoscopy and robotic systems like the da Vinci Surgical System, are limited by mobility restrictions, limited visual feedback, and are often large, expensive, and not widely available, making them inadequate for complex surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
Development of modular robotic medical devices with interchangeable components that can be configured for various surgical tasks, allowing for enhanced mobility and visualization within the body cavity, with support components to maintain position and minimize incision size, and integration of motors for internal actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If robotic systems like the da Vinci Surgical System are used, then surgical precision and automation are improved, but device size, cost, and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic surgical system is divided into separate modular components: a console for control, a cart with imaging and processing equipment, and handheld surgical instruments. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces the complexity of the overall system while maintaining advanced automation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical robotic arms are replaced with handheld surgical instruments that contain internal mechanisms. The automation is achieved through electronic control and software integration rather than complex mechanical linkages, reducing device complexity while preserving surgical precision and automated functions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If rigid tools are inserted through access ports for minimally invasive surgery, then visual feedback and mobility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
Rigid mechanical tools are replaced with flexible, steerable catheters that can navigate complex anatomical pathways. These catheters incorporate flexible sections that allow bending and steering while maintaining structural integrity, enabling surgeon mobility and improved visual feedback without the constraints of rigid instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical instruments utilize flexible catheter structures with thin-walled construction that allow them to bend and conform to body cavities and vessels. This flexibility enables the instruments to reach difficult-to-access areas while maintaining the ability to provide real-time visual feedback and precise control.
3Reliability
If large robotic systems are deployed, then surgical capability is improved, but availability and accessibility decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic surgical system is divided into separate modular components: a console for control, a cart with imaging and processing equipment, and handheld surgical instruments. This segmentation allows the system to be configured in different arrangements and deployed in various surgical settings, improving availability while maintaining advanced surgical capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows the same core components to be used across different surgical procedures and applications. The handheld instruments can be used in various body cavities, and the imaging system can support multiple surgical techniques, making the system highly adaptable and widely available.
Data Source
AI summary
Various medical devices and related systems, including robotic and/or in vivo medical devices, and various robotic surgical devices for in vivo medical procedures. Included herein, for example, is a robotic surgical system having a support beam positionable through an incision, and a robotic device having a device body, first and second rotating shoulder components coupled to the device body, and first and second robotic arms coupled to the first and second shoulder components, respectively.