18551404. SURGICAL ROBOT simplified abstract (Sony Group Corporation)

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SURGICAL ROBOT

Organization Name

Sony Group Corporation

Inventor(s)

HIROYUKI Suzuki of TOKYO (JP)

SURGICAL ROBOT - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18551404 titled 'SURGICAL ROBOT

Simplified Explanation

The surgical robot described in the patent application is designed for ophthalmic surgery and aims to achieve minimally invasive procedures by reducing the load on the insertion point of surgical tools. The robot consists of multiple links connected by flexible joints, with a surgical tool mounted at the distal end. The flexible joints can be passive, with a spring element made of materials like polyimide or carbon fiber, or active, connected to a flexible structure fixed to a motor output shaft.

  • The surgical robot is specifically designed for ophthalmic surgery.
  • It reduces the load on the insertion point of surgical tools, enabling minimally invasive procedures.
  • The robot is made up of multiple links connected by flexible joints, allowing for precise movements.
  • The flexible joints can be passive or active, with different mechanisms for each type.
  • The use of materials like polyimide and carbon fiber ensures flexibility and durability in the joints.

Potential Applications

The technology can be applied in various ophthalmic surgeries, including cataract removal, retinal detachment repair, and glaucoma treatment.

Problems Solved

1. Minimally invasive surgery: The robot reduces the load on the insertion point of surgical tools, making procedures less invasive and reducing the risk of tissue damage. 2. Precision and control: The flexible joints allow for precise movements, enhancing the surgeon's control during delicate eye surgeries.

Benefits

1. Improved surgical outcomes: The robot's design enables more accurate and controlled movements, leading to better surgical outcomes for patients. 2. Reduced tissue trauma: Minimally invasive procedures result in less tissue trauma, faster recovery times, and reduced risk of complications for patients.

Potential Commercial Applications

The technology can be utilized by ophthalmic surgery centers, hospitals, and medical device companies for developing advanced robotic systems for eye surgeries.

Possible Prior Art

Prior art in the field of surgical robotics includes existing systems for various surgical specialties, such as general surgery, urology, and orthopedics. Some examples include the da Vinci Surgical System for minimally invasive procedures and the CorPath GRX System for robotic-assisted vascular interventions.

Unanswered Questions

How does the flexible joint design impact the overall performance of the surgical robot in comparison to traditional rigid systems?

The flexible joint design allows for greater flexibility and precision in movements, potentially improving the accuracy and safety of ophthalmic surgeries. However, the specific advantages and limitations of this design compared to rigid systems need to be further evaluated through clinical studies and user feedback.

What are the potential challenges in integrating the surgical robot into existing ophthalmic surgical workflows?

Integrating a new technology like the surgical robot into established surgical workflows may require additional training for surgeons and operating room staff, as well as modifications to existing protocols and procedures. Addressing these challenges effectively is crucial for successful adoption and implementation of the technology in clinical practice.


Original Abstract Submitted

Provided is a surgical robot that is applied to ophthalmic surgery and achieves minimally invasive surgery by reducing a load applied to a portion of insertion by a surgical tool. The surgical robot is configured by a plurality of links, at least some links connecting between links are formed by a flexible joint having flexibility, and a surgical tool is mounted at a distal end. The flexible joint that is a passive joint has a spring element made by, for example, polyimide, CFRP, GFRP, or polyester, in a rotation direction. Furthermore, the flexible joint that is an active joint is connected to a flexible structure that is serially fixed to an output shaft of a driving motor.