Multi-Arm Surgical Robotic System With Integrated Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current robotic navigation systems in surgery are limited by inaccurate registrations, poor line of sight, passive guidance issues, single-arm limitations, and lack of visibility for surgeons, hindering system movement and adaptability during procedures.

Innovation Solution

A multi-arm surgical robotic system with integrated navigation and peripheral arms, allowing for simultaneous or sequential surgical tasks, featuring motorized subsystems controlled by both software and manually, with end effectors for precise instrument guidance and a collaborative design for flexible surgical procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single robotic arm is used for surgical procedures, then the system structure is simple and easy to control, but only one surgical action can be performed at a time, reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurgical action throughputVSAvoidnumber of robotic arms
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The surgical robotic system is divided into multiple independent robotic arms, each capable of performing separate surgical actions simultaneously. This segmentation allows parallel execution of multiple surgical tasks, directly increasing productivity while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple robotic arms are equipped with interchangeable end effectors that can perform various surgical functions. This multi-functionality allows a single robotic system to handle diverse surgical requirements, increasing productivity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If passive guidance is used in robotic navigation, then the system is simpler to implement, but the system cannot be actively moved during the procedure and is hindered by patient movement, reducing adaptability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem mobility during procedureVSAvoidcontrol system architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic navigation system transitions from a static passive guidance mode to a dynamic active mode where the robotic arms can be repositioned and adjusted during the surgical procedure. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to patient movement and changing surgical requirements, significantly improving adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms that monitor patient movement and system position, enabling active adjustment of the robotic arms during the procedure. This feedback loop allows the system to maintain accuracy and adaptability despite patient movement, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If multiple surgical arms are added to perform simultaneous tasks, then productivity increases, but system complexity and difficulty of control increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimultaneous surgical tasksVSAvoidsystem control difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A centralized control system acts as an intermediary between the surgeon's commands and multiple robotic arms. This mediator coordinates and synchronizes the movements of multiple arms, managing complexity while enabling simultaneous surgical tasks, thus maintaining ease of operation despite increased productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple robotic arms are merged into a coordinated system under unified control, where the control software integrates commands for all arms and manages their interactions. This merging approach allows simultaneous tasks to be performed while presenting a single, manageable control interface to the surgeon

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Measurement precision

If the robotic system is designed for precise positioning, then surgical accuracy improves, but system movement is hindered intraoperatively and during transport, reducing adaptability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsystem mobility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system employs dynamic positioning capabilities where arms can be precisely positioned for surgical tasks and then easily repositioned or relocated during the procedure. This dynamic design maintains positioning accuracy while enabling system mobility and adaptability throughout the surgical process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4631456A1Surgical robotic system
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 GLOBUS MEDICAL INC
  • EP4631456A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4631456A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4631456A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Devices, systems, and methods for a robot-assisted surgery. A surgical robotic system with integrated navigation and multiple surgical arms may assist a user with one or more surgical procedures. In addition to the multiple surgical arms, the robotic system may also have peripheral arms to position a navigation camera and surgeon displays. The robotic system is collaborative to allow for easy integration into procedural workflows, for example, to install pedicle screws, interbody implants, or other surgical devices.