Modelling and Motion Analysis of a Pill-Sized Hybrid Capsule Robot

This paper presents a miniature hybrid capsule robot for minimally invasive in-vivo interventions such as capsule endoscopy within the GI (gastrointestinal) tract. It proposes new modes of operation for the hybrid robot namely hybrid mode and anchoring mode. The hybrid mode assists the robot to open an occlusion or to widen a narrowing. The anchoring mode enables the robot to stay in a specific place overcoming external disturbances (e.g. peristalsis) for a better and prolonged observation. The modelling of the legged, hybrid and anchoring modes are presented and analysed. Simulation results show robot propulsions in various modes. The hybrid capsule robot consisting four operating modes is more effective for the locomotion and observation within GI tract when compared to the locomotion consisting a single mean of locomotion as the hybrid robot can switch among the operating modes to suit the situation/task.

Development on a magnetic anchoring robot system based on visual servo control for laparoendoscopic single-site surgery

BACKGROUND

Surgical robot systems have been used in laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) to improve patient outcomes. A magnetic anchoring surgical robot system for LESS can effectively extend the operation space.

METHODS

A robot system based on visual servo control for LESS is proposed. It includes a magnetic anchoring robot and a control subsystem, in which an uncalibrated visual servo control method obtains an accurate positioning capability of the robot for LESS.

RESULTS

The results of the simulation and the tissue experiment show that the robot system can successfully accomplish the expected control functionalities for LESS. The average positioning error of the proposed system is 1.622 mm.

CONCLUSION

The magnetic anchoring robot system is able to implement the autonomous positioning of its end-effector through the proposed control approach according to experimental results.

Towards autonomous motion control in minimally invasive robotic surgery

INTRODUCTION

While autonomous surgical robotic systems exist primarily at the research level, recently these systems have made a strong push into clinical settings. The autonomous or semi-autonomous control of surgical robotic platforms may offer significant improvements to a diverse field of surgical procedures, allowing for high precision, intelligent manipulation of these systems and opening the door to advanced minimally invasive surgical procedures not currently possible.

AREAS COVERED

This review highlights those experimental systems currently under development with a focus on in vivo modeling and control strategies designed specifically for the complex and dynamic surgical environment. Expert review: Novel methods for state estimation, system modeling and disturbance rejection, as applied to these devices, continues to improve the performance of these important surgical tools. Procedures such as Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery and Laparo-Endoscopic Single Site surgery, as well as more conventional procedures such as Colonoscopy, serve to benefit tremendously from the development of these automated robotic systems, enabling surgeons to minimize tissue damage and shorten procedure times while avoiding the consequences of laparotomy.

Miniature Surgical Robots in the Era of NOTES and LESS

Laparoscopy is an established method for the treatment of numerous surgical conditions. Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a novel surgical technique that uses the natural orifices of the human body as entrances to the abdominal cavity. An alternative concept of minimally invasive approach to the abdominal cavity is to insert all the laparoscopic instruments through ports using a single small incision on the abdominal wall. A suggested name for this technique is laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS). Considering the technical difficulties in NOTES and LESS and the progress in informatics and robotics, the use of robots seems ideal. The aim of this study is to investigate if there is at present, a realistic possibility of using miniature robots in NOTES or LESS in daily clinical practice. An up-to-date review on in vivo surgical miniature robots is made. A Web-based research of the English literature up to March 2013 using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar as search engines was performed. The development of in vivo miniature robots for use in NOTES or LESS is a reality with great advancements, potential advantages, and possible application in minimally invasive surgery in the future. However, true totally NOTES or LESS procedures on humans using miniature robots either solely or as assistance, remain a dream at present.

Miniature Surgical Robots in the Era of NOTES and LESS

Laparoscopy is an established method for the treatment of numerous surgical conditions. Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a novel surgical technique that uses the natural orifices of the human body as entrances to the abdominal cavity. An alternative concept of minimally invasive approach to the abdominal cavity is to insert all the laparoscopic instruments through ports using a single small incision on the abdominal wall. A suggested name for this technique is laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS). Considering the technical difficulties in NOTES and LESS and the progress in informatics and robotics, the use of robots seems ideal. The aim of this study is to investigate if there is at present, a realistic possibility of using miniature robots in NOTES or LESS in daily clinical practice. An up-to-date review on in vivo surgical miniature robots is made. A Web-based research of the English literature up to March 2013 using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar as search engines was performed. The development of in vivo miniature robots for use in NOTES or LESS is a reality with great advancements, potential advantages, and possible application in minimally invasive surgery in the future. However, true totally NOTES or LESS procedures on humans using miniature robots either solely or as assistance, remain a dream at present.