Segmented Robotic Surgical Arms for Port-Access Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing minimally invasive surgical technologies, such as laparoscopy and robotic systems like the da Vinci Surgical System, face limitations due to mobility restrictions from using rigid tools, limited visual feedback, and the need for large, expensive equipment that is not widely available in hospitals.
Innovation Solution
The development of a robotic surgical device comprising an elongate component that can be positioned through a port into a body cavity, with first and second support members, rotating shoulder components, and movable segmented robotic arms equipped with operational components and motors, allowing for enhanced mobility and visual feedback within the body cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rigid tools are used for minimally invasive surgery, then surgical procedures can be performed through access ports, but mobility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm is divided into multiple segments (first arm segment, second arm segment, third arm segment) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the robotic arm to achieve complex movements and access difficult surgical sites while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be inserted through access ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm employs dynamic movement capabilities with multiple degrees of freedom, allowing it to adapt its configuration during surgery. The arm can transition between different positions and orientations to optimize access to surgical targets, overcoming the mobility restrictions of rigid traditional tools.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional robotic systems like da Vinci are used, then surgical procedures can be performed, but the systems are very large and expensive with limited availability
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm segments are designed to be nested or telescopic, allowing the arm to compact into a smaller configuration for insertion through access ports and then expand to full operational length during surgery. This nesting principle enables the system to have small insertion profile while maintaining full surgical capability.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the robotic system into modular segments that can be independently controlled and positioned, the overall system size is reduced. Each segment can be optimized for specific functions, allowing versatile surgical capabilities without requiring a large monolithic system structure.
3Loss of information
If rigid tools are used through access ports, then minimally invasive procedures can be performed, but visual feedback is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system incorporates feedback mechanisms that provide real-time information about tool position, tissue interaction forces, and surgical progress. This feedback loop enables the surgeon to maintain precise control and awareness of surgical conditions despite the minimally invasive access method.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces direct mechanical visual feedback through rigid tools with electronic sensing and digital display systems. Sensors embedded in the robotic arm and tools provide electronic feedback about tissue interaction, which is displayed to the surgeon, overcoming the limitations of traditional mechanical visual feedback.
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.