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Enhancing surgical efficiency with an automated scrub nurse robot: a focus on automatic instrument insertion

  • 0Faculty of Advanced Techno-Surgery, Advanced Biomedical Engineering and Science, Tokyo Women's Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan. yoshimitsu.kitaro@twmu.ac.jp.
International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery +

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June 6, 2025

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June 6, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

A new robotic scrub nurse system with automatic instrument insertion significantly improves surgical efficiency. This advancement helps surgeons maintain focus by ensuring smooth instrument exchange during operations.

Area Of Science

  • Robotics in Surgery
  • Surgical Workflow Optimization
  • Medical Device Development

Background

  • The chronic shortage of skilled scrub nurses presents a significant challenge in operating rooms.
  • Efficient instrument exchange is a critical component of surgical procedures, directly impacting operative efficiency.
  • Robotic assistance is being explored to address staffing shortages and enhance surgical tasks.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To develop and evaluate a third-generation scrub nurse robot (SNR) designed to automate surgical instrument exchange.
  • To implement and test the automatic insertion of surgical instruments (AISI) function in the SNR.
  • To optimize the instrument provision aspect of the scrub nurse's role in surgical procedures.

Main Methods

  • The third-generation SNR was developed with an automatic insertion of surgical instruments (AISI) function.
  • AISI involves the robot detecting instrument withdrawal, conveying the next instrument, and inserting its tip into the cannula.
  • Performance was compared across three scenarios: third-gen SNR with stand-ins, human scrub nurses with a surgeon in real cases, and second-gen SNR with stand-ins.

Main Results

  • The third-generation SNR demonstrated improved targeting speed compared to the second-generation SNR in laboratory settings.
  • The average "eyes-off" time for surgeons using the third-gen SNR was significantly reduced (0.41s) compared to those using the second-gen SNR (1.47s).
  • The AISI function contributed to a reduction in interruptions to the surgical rhythm during instrument exchange.

Conclusions

  • The third-generation scrub nurse robot with AISI enhances operative efficiency through smoother instrument exchange.
  • This robotic system allows surgeons to maintain concentration on the procedure by minimizing disruptions.
  • The SNR technology offers a promising solution to support surgical teams and improve patient care.

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