Suspension laryngoscopy using a curved-frame trans-oral robotic system

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Robotic Surgery
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Suspension laryngoscopy is standard for laryngeal lesions like polyps.
• Rigid instruments used in laryngoscopy can cause complications and have anatomical limitations.
• A new approach is needed to address these challenges in laryngeal disease treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel surgical robotic system for trans-oral laryngeal procedures.
• To overcome the limitations associated with rigid instruments and anatomical restrictions in suspension laryngoscopy.
• To investigate a new method for treating laryngeal diseases using robotic assistance.

Main Methods:

• A master-slave robotic system was developed, featuring a curved frame for guiding flexible instruments.
• The system was tested using a phantom laryngeal model to simulate surgical procedures.
• A routine laryngeal polypectomy was simulated to assess the system's performance.

Main Results:

• The surgical robotic system successfully guided flexible instruments for a simulated laryngeal polypectomy.
• The procedure was performed under conditions mimicking clinical suspension laryngoscopy.
• The system demonstrated feasibility in a phantom model.

Conclusions:

• A novel surgical robotic system can perform routine laryngeal polyp removal.
• The system utilizes flexible instruments guided by a curved frame, offering an alternative to rigid scopes.
• This robotic approach shows potential for treating vocal cord polyps in a clinically relevant phantom setting.