From Visual Haptics to Force-Controlled Robotic Surgery: Preliminary Clinical Experience Using the da Vinci 5 System...

Area of Science:

• Robotic Surgery
• Surgical Technology
• Haptic Feedback

Background:

• Haptic feedback is a key limitation in robotic surgery.
• The da Vinci 5 (dV5) system introduces force feedback (FFB).
• The impact of dV5 FFB sensitivity settings needs clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the first Japanese clinical use of dV5 FFB in colorectal surgery.
• To analyze the quantitative impact of FFB sensitivity settings on instrument-tip forces.

Main Methods:

• Case-series analysis of 10 robotic colorectal resections using dV5.
• Instrument-tip forces were extracted from system logs.
• Forces were analyzed descriptively based on FFB sensitivity settings.

Main Results:

• A dose-dependent relationship was observed between FFB sensitivity and applied force.
• Lower sensitivity settings (low/off) resulted in higher mean forces (2.70 N/2.60 N) compared to higher settings (medium 1.68 N, high 1.40 N).
• Left-sided and rectal procedures required slightly higher forces; no tissue injury was noted.

Conclusions:

• dV5 FFB allows for sensitivity-dependent force modulation in robotic colorectal surgery.
• FFB acts as a force-control mechanism, reducing applied forces.
• Further research is needed on FFB's impact on tissue handling and clinical outcomes.