Continuum robots for endoscopic sinus surgery: Recent advances, challenges, and prospects.

Area of Science:

• Medical Robotics
• Surgical Technology
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is a standard treatment for paranasal sinus diseases.
• Continuum robots (CRs) have emerged as a potential advancement in ESS over the last decade.
• Challenges remain in the clinical application of CRs for ESS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review scientific studies on the application of continuum robots (CRs) in endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).
• To discuss the requirements for CRs in ESS based on paranasal sinus anatomy.
• To present recent advancements in robotic systems for ESS.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of paranasal sinus anatomical structures to define CR requirements.
• Review of existing literature on rigid robots, handheld flexible robots, and CRs for ESS.
• Inclusion of surgical path planning, navigation, and control strategies.

Main Results:

• Concentric tube and cable-driven CRs demonstrate significant potential for ESS applications.
• CRs equipped with multiple, interchangeable arms offering diverse functionalities are advantageous for ESS.
• Current robotic systems for ESS are evaluated based on their design and capabilities.

Conclusions:

• Continuum robots (CRs) offer promising capabilities for endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).
• Further investigation into navigation and control mechanisms is crucial for enhancing CR performance in ESS.
• Optimized CR designs with adaptable functionalities are preferred for ESS procedures.