Insertion experiments of a biologically inspired microtextured and multi-part probe based on reciprocal motion

Area of Science:

• Surgical Instrumentation
• Biomedical Engineering
• Robotics

Background:

• Current surgical tools primarily rely on pushing from behind for insertion.
• This can lead to significant tissue disruption and target displacement.
• Advancements in minimally invasive surgical instrumentation are ongoing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and evaluate a novel multi-part probe for tool insertion in minimally invasive surgery.
• To demonstrate a method of tool insertion that minimizes the need for overall forward push.
• To investigate the effect of probe surface texture on insertion dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Development of a multi-part probe with at least three interlocking segments.
• Sequential insertion process where segments are advanced individually.
• Testing insertion in a synthetic soft tissue specimen.
• Analysis of probe surface microtexture effects on insertion force and speed.

Main Results:

• The multi-part probe successfully insinuated itself into synthetic tissue without an overall forward push.
• Anisotropic microtextured outer probe surface influenced insertion speed and interface forces.
• A reduction in force transferred to the back of the specimen was measured.

Conclusions:

• The novel sequential insertion approach offers a less disruptive method for surgical tool deployment.
• Microtexturing of the probe surface can be optimized to control insertion dynamics.
• This technique has the potential to reduce tissue damage and improve surgical precision.