Master-slave robotic system for therapeutic gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures

Area of Science:

• Medical Robotics
• Gastroenterology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Flexible endoscopy is a minimally invasive technique for gastrointestinal (GI) tract examination and treatment.
• Current flexible endoscopic tools are limited in performing complex therapeutic interventions like arterial hemostasis or perforation repair.
• These advanced procedures often necessitate open surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a robotic system designed to augment flexible endoscopy.
• To enable endoscopists to perform technically demanding surgical procedures via existing endoscopes.
• To expand the therapeutic scope of flexible endoscopy for GI disorders.

Main Methods:

• Development of a robotic system comprising a master console and a slave robotic manipulator.
• The slave manipulator is a cable-driven flexible robotic tool insertable into endoscope channels or attachable in tandem.
• Integration with real-time endoscopic visualization.

Main Results:

• The robotic system allows endoscopists to perform intricate surgical procedures.
• It extends the capabilities of conventional flexible endoscopes for complex interventions.
• Enables procedures previously requiring open surgery to be performed endoscopically.

Conclusions:

• The proposed robotic system significantly enhances the therapeutic potential of flexible endoscopy.
• It offers a solution for performing complex GI surgeries with improved precision and safety.
• This technology promises to broaden the application of endoscopic interventions for challenging GI conditions.