Development of a compact laparoscope manipulator (P-arm)

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Robotics in Medicine
• Surgical Technology

Background:

• Current laparoscope manipulating robots present challenges including large size, difficult setup, and high costs.
• These limitations can interfere with surgical workflow and increase operational expenses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, compact, and cost-effective laparoscope manipulating robot.
• To overcome the limitations of existing robotic systems in laparoscopic surgery.

Main Methods:

• A compact robot, named P-arm, was engineered using less expensive materials.
• In vitro and in vivo evaluations were conducted using swine organs and living swine for cholecystectomy, anterior resection, and distal gastrectomy.
• System reliability was assessed through long-term continuous operation tests.

Main Results:

• The P-arm is a compact and lightweight laparoscope manipulating robot.
• Surgical times for in vitro cholecystectomy were comparable with and without the P-arm.
• Successful completion of three different surgical procedures in living swine was achieved.
• The P-arm operated reliably without interfering with surgeons during procedures.
• Continuous 8-hour operation tests were successfully completed without system issues.

Conclusions:

• The P-arm demonstrates steady performance in various swine surgical procedures.
• The robot effectively assists without impeding the surgeon's work.
• The developed P-arm offers a viable solution to existing challenges in laparoscope manipulation.