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Robot-Automated Cartilage Contouring for Complex Ear Reconstruction: A Cadaveric Study
Corey Smith1, Benjamin van der Woerd2, Robert Potra1
1Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
The Laryngoscope
|September 11, 2020
Summary
Robotic contouring of cadaver costal cartilage for auricular reconstruction is fast and accurate. This automated method significantly reduces procedure time compared to manual techniques, offering a promising alternative for reconstructive surgery.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Surgical Robotics
- Plastic Surgery
Background:
- Manual contouring of costal cartilage for auricular reconstruction is intricate and time-intensive.
- Robotic assistance offers potential for enhanced speed and precision in this complex surgical task.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility, accuracy, and speed of a robotic system for contouring cadaver costal cartilage for auricular reconstruction.
Main Methods:
- An augmented robot with a spherical burr contoured cadaver rib cartilage.
- 3D models were created from laser scans for preoperative planning and carving path definition.
- Robotic contouring accuracy was assessed via deviation maps, and time was compared to manual methods.
Main Results:
- Robotic contouring achieved submillimeter accuracy (RMS error 0.54 mm, mean absolute deviation 0.40 mm).
- The robot contoured cartilage in an average of 13 minutes, significantly faster than the 71 minutes required for manual contouring by an experienced surgeon.
Conclusions:
- Robotic contouring of costal cartilage is a highly accurate and significantly faster alternative to manual methods.
- This technology presents a viable solution to improve efficiency and precision in auricular reconstruction.
