As surgical robotics are made progressively smaller, and their actuation systems simplified, the opportunity arises to re-evaluate how we integrate them into operating room workflows. Over the past few years, several research groups have shown that robots can be made so small and light that they can become hand-held tools, in contrast to the prevailing commercial paradigm of surgical robots being large multi-arm floor-mounted systems that must be remotely teleoperated. This hand-held paradigm enables robots to fit much more seamlessly into existing clinical workflows, and as such, these new robots need to be paired with similarly compact user interfaces. It also gives rise to a new area of user interface research, exploring how the surgeon can simultaneously control the position and orientation of the overall system, while also simultaneously controlling small robotic manipulators that maneuver dexterously at the tip. In this paper, we compare an onboard user interface mounted directly to the robotic platform against the traditional offboard user interface positioned away from the robot. In the latter, the surgeon positions the robot, and a support arm holds it in place while the surgeon operates the manipulators using the offboard surgeon console. The surgeon can move back and forth between the robot and the console as often as desired. Three experiments were conducted, and results show that the onboard interface enables statistically significantly faster performance in a point-touching task performed in a virtual environment.
Office-based endoscopic laser surgery is an increasingly popular option for the treatment of many benign and premalignant tumors of the vocal folds. While these procedures have been shown to be generally safe and effective, recent clinical studies have revealed that there are a number of challenging locations inside the larynx where laser light cannot be easily delivered due to line-of-sight limitations. In this paper, we explore whether these challenges can be overcome through the use of side-firing laser fibers. Our study is conducted in simulation, using three-dimensional models of the human larynx generated from X-ray microtomography scans. Using computer graphics techniques (ray-casting), we simulate the application of laser pulses with different types of laser fibers and compare the total anatomical coverage attained by each fiber. We consider four fiber types: a traditional “forward-looking” fiber - not unlike the ones currently used in clinical practice - and three side-firing fibers that emit light at an angle of 45, 70, and 90 degrees, respectively. Results show that side-firing fibers enable a ∼70% increase in accessible anatomy compared to forward-looking fibers.
Ras Labs’ Synthetic Muscle technology promises to resolve major issues facing amputees, most notably the pain of prosthetic slippage and tissue breakdown. Synthetic Muscle, comprising electroactive polymers (EAPs), actively expand or contract at low voltages, while offering impact resistance and pressure sensing, in one integrated solution. In collaboration with United Prosthetics (UPI), customer testing was initiated with these EAP based pads located in strategic areas of the prosthetic socket of both below knee (BK) and above knee (AK) amputees for evaluation and feedback, with very promising results. The goal is to give amputees natural locomotion with a worry-free prosthesis, maintaining dynamic perfect fit throughout the day and preventing tissue damage from even beginning to occur. Robotic gripper applications, with sensing fingertips, were also prototyped. Characterization of Synthetic Muscle as dual use pressure sensors was investigated, with variable voltage observed and quantified when the EAP sensor was mechanically compressed. The integration of EAP shape-morphing actuation into grippers was also initiated. The EAP shape-morphing control is expected to be modulated as needed by controlling the voltage level. This technology is expected to provide for an adjustable prosthetic liner or socket that can maintain dynamic perfect fit and for biomimetic prosthetic hands and robotic grippers.
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