A system for performing minimally invasive cardiac procedures. The system includes a pair of surgical instruments that are coupled to a pair of robotic arms. The instruments have end effectors that can be manipulated to hold and suture tissue. The robotic arms are coupled to a pair of master handles by a controller. The handles can be moved by the surgeon to produce a corresponding movement of the end effectors. The movement of the handles is scaled so that the end effectors have a corresponding movement that is different, typically smaller, than the movement performed by the hands of the surgeon. The scale factor is adjustable so that the surgeon can control the resolution of the end effector movement. The movement of the end effector can be controlled by an input button, so that the end effector only moves when the button is depressed by the surgeon. The input button allows the surgeon to adjust the position of the handles without moving the end effector, so that the handles can be moved to a more comfortable position. The system may also have a robotically controlled endoscope which allows the surgeon to remotely view the surgical site. A cardiac procedure can be performed by making small incisions in the patient's skin and inserting the instruments and endoscope into the patient. The surgeon manipulates the handles and moves the end effectors to perform a cardiac procedure such as a coronary artery bypass graft.

Method and apparatus for performing minimally invasive cardiac procedures

A robotic system that moves a surgical instrument in response to the actuation of a foot pedal that can be operated by the foot of a surgeon. The robotic system has an end effector that is adapted to hold a surgical instrument such as an endoscope. The end effector is coupled to a robotic arm assembly which can move the endoscope relative to the patient. The system includes a computer which controls the movement of the robotic arm in response to input signals received from the foot pedal.

Automated endoscope system for optimal positioning

Newness and distinctiveness is claimed in the features of ornamentation as shown inside the broken line circle in the accompanying representation.

Display screen or portion thereof with graphical user interface

A surgical instrument can comprise a channel configured to support a staple cartridge and, in addition, an anvil pivotable between open and closed positions relative to the channel. The surgical instrument can further comprise a cutting member configured to incise tissue positioned captured between the staple cartridge and the anvil and, in addition, means for stopping the cutting member prior to a distal end datum, wherein the distal end datum can be defined by the distal-most staple cavity in the staple cartridge. In such embodiments, the incision within the tissue may not extend beyond the portion of the tissue that has been stapled.

Surgical stapling instrument with an articulatable end effector

This invention is a surgical system (10) that may include a remotely controlled surgical instrument. The surgical instrument may be coupled to a tool driver (1602) that can spin, and actuate the instrument. The instrument may include an actuator rod that is coupled to an end effector (1710), and detachably connected to a push rod (1654). The push rod (1836) can move relative to the handle to actuate the end effector. The end effector may include a fixture that conforms to the shape of a needle (1712). The handle (1812) can be secured to the tool driver by inserting pins into corresponding slots that are located on both the instrument and the tool driver. The instrument can be controlled by an operator through a pair of handles (1806). Each handle may be mechanically balanced by a counterweight. The surgical system may also include a touch pad (1808) that allows the operator to enter parameters of the system.

Method and apparatus for performing minimally invasive surgical procedures

A robotic surgical system (10) includes a multiple degree of freedom manipulator arm (14) having a surgical tool (22). The arm is coupled to a controller (24) for controllably positioning the surgical tool within a three dimensional coordinate system. The system further includes a safety monitoring processor (38) for determining the position of the surgical tool in the three dimensional coordinate system relative to a volumetric model. The volumetric model may be represented as a constructive solid geometry (CSG) tree data structure. The system further includes an optical tracking camera system (28, 32) disposed for imaging a region of space that includes at least a portion of the manipulator arm. An output of the camera system is coupled to the processor (38) that processes the volumetric model for determining if the surgical tool is positioned outside of the volumetric model. The system further includes a strain gage (40) for detecting slippage in three dimensions between an immobilized tissue, such as bone, and a reference point (44). The system also includes multiple and redundant safety features for suspending a motion of the surgical tool to prevent the tool from operating outside of the predetermined volume of space.

Image-directed robotic system for precise robotic surgery including redundant consistency checking

The authors have developed an image-directed robotic system to augment the performance of human surgeons in precise bone machining procedures in orthopaedic surgery, initially targeted at cementless total hip replacement surgery. The total system consists of an interactive CT-based presurgical planning component and a surgical system consisting of a robot, redundant motion monitoring, and man-machine interface components. In vitro experiments conducted with this system have demonstrated an order-of-magnitude improvement in implant fit and placement accuracy, compared to standard manual preparation techniques. The first generation system described in this paper was used in a successful veterinary clinical trial on 26 dogs needing hip replacement surgery. It was the basis for subsequent development of a second-generation system that is now in human clinical trials. >

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An image-directed robotic system for precise orthopaedic surgery

The authors have developed an image directed robotic system for orthopaedic bone machining applications, aimed initially at cementless total hip replacement surgery. A clinical trial in dogs needing such surgery has begun. The fact that the application requires a robot to move a tool in contact with a patient has motivated the authors to implement a number of redundant consistency checking mechanisms. The paper provides a brief system overview and outlines the requirements defined by the veterinary surgeon who uses the system. It then describes the authors' approach to implementing these requirements and concludes with a few remarks about their experience so far and possible extensions of their work. >

Taming the bull: safety in a precise surgical robot

An image-directed robotic system for hip replacemetn surgery.

A robotic surgical system (10) includes a multiple degree of freedom manipulator arm (14) having a surgical tool (22). The arm is coupled to a controller (24) for controllably positioning the surgical tool within a three dimensional coordinate system. The system further includes a safety monitoring processor (38) for determining the position of the surgical tool in the three dimensional coordinate system relative to a volumetric model. The volumetric model may be represented as a constructive solid geometry (CSG) tree data structure. The system further includes an optical tracking camera system (28,32) disposed for imaging a region of space that includes at least a portion of the manipulator arm. An output of the camera system is coupled to the processor (38) that processes the volumetric model for determining if the surgical tool is positioned outside of the volumetric model. The system further includes a strain gage (40) for detecting slippage in three dimensions between an immobilized tissue, such as bone, and a reference point (44). The system also includes multiple and redundant safety features for suspending a motion of the surgical tool to prevent the tool from operating outside of the predetermined volume of space.

Edward Glassman

Papers

Image-directed robotic system for precise robotic surgery including redundant consistency checking

An image-directed robotic system for precise orthopaedic surgery

Taming the bull: safety in a precise surgical robot

An image-directed robotic system for hip replacemetn surgery.

Image-directed robotic system for precise surgery