RESUMO
Pedicle screw fixation is an essential surgical technique for addressing various spinal pathologies, including degenerative diseases, trauma, tumors, neoplasms, and infections. Despite its efficacy, the procedure poses significant challenges, notably the limited visibility of spinal anatomical landmarks and the consequent reliance on surgeon's hand-eye coordination. These challenges often result in inaccuracies and high radiation exposure due to the frequent use of fluoroscopy X-ray guidance. Addressing these concerns, this study introduces a novel approach to pedicle screw insertion by utilizing a robot-assisted system that incorporates sensorless based haptics incorporated 5-DOF surgical manipulation. This innovative system aims to minimize radiation exposure and reduce operating time while improving the surgeon's hand posture capabilities. The developed prototype, expected to be implemented using bilateral control, was tested through preliminary cadaveric experiments focused on the insertion of both percutaneous and open pedicle screws at the L4-L5 level of the lumbar spine. Validation of the Sensorless Haptic Feedback feature was an integral part of this study, aiming to enhance precision and safety. The results, confirmed by fluoroscopic x-ray images, demonstrated the successful placement of two percutaneous and two open pedicle screws, with average position and torque errors of 0.011 radians and 0.054 Nm for percutaneous screws, and 0.0116 radians and 0.0057 Nm for open screws, respectively. These findings underscore the potential of the sensorless haptic feedback in a robot-assisted pedicle screw insertion system to significantly reduce radiation exposure and improve surgical outcomes, marking a significant advancement in spinal surgery technology.
RESUMO
Laparoscopic procedures have become indispensable in gastrointestinal surgery. As a minimally invasive process, it begins with primary trocar insertion. However, this step poses the threat of injuries to the gastrointestinal tract and blood vessels. As such, the comprehension of the insertion process is crucial to the development of robotic-assisted/automated surgeries. To sustain robotic development, this research aims to study the interactive force/torque (F/T) behavior between the trocar and the abdomen during the trocar insertion process. For force/torque (F/T) data acquisition, a trocar interfaced with a six-axis F/T sensor was used by surgeons for the insertion. The study was conducted during five abdominal hernia surgical cases in the Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University. The real-time F/T data were further processed and analyzed. The fluctuation in the force/torque (F/T) parameter was significant, with peak force ranging from 16.83 N to 61.86 N and peak torque ranging from 0.552 Nm to 1.76 Nm. The force parameter was observed to positively correlate with procedural time, while torque was found to be negatively correlated. Although during the process a surgeon applied force and torque in multiple axes, for a robotic system, the push and turn motion in a single axis was observed to be sufficient. For minimal tissue damage in less procedural time, a system with low push force and high torque was observed to be advantageous. These understandings will eventually benefit the development of computer-assisted or robotics technology to improve the outcome of the primary trocar insertion procedure.
Assuntos
Laparoscopia , Robótica , Humanos , Torque , Instrumentos Cirúrgicos , Abdome/cirurgiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The Endonasal Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery (EETS) is a minimally invasive procedure to approach and remove pituitary tumors and other sellar lesions. The process causes less pain, faster recovery, and provides further minimal invasive access in critical cases. However, a slight deviation of tools from the target area can be fatal to the patients. The aim of this study is to design and develop a prototype robot to demonstrate neurosurgical robot-assisted EET approach. METHODS: The effectiveness of a prototype robot in executing a minimally invasive EET surgery was studied in 6 cadavers. The robot was associated with a multi-information integrated technique for surgery including QR code tracking. The robot was controlled and driven by the neurosurgeon. RESULTS: The standard procedure of EET was followed and the robot carried out the first stage of EET under the supervision of neurosurgeon. Finally, the sellar was reached by the neurosurgeon. The result was determined by qualitative analysis and was confirmed by the neurosurgeon. The time for the entire EET surgical procedure showed marked reduction compared to the traditional EET approach. CONCLUSION: The robot design was found to be technically feasible and hence can be used for assisting the EET procedure. The robot used was able to assist the neurosurgeon correctly to approach the sinus.
