Taiga Nakano

Bio: Taiga Nakano is an academic researcher from University of Tokyo. The author has contributed to research in topics: Cutting tool & Machining. The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 10 publications receiving 249 citations.

A parallel robot to assist vitreoretinal surgery.

Abstract: This paper describes the development and evaluation of a parallel prototype robot for vitreoretinal surgery where physiological hand tremor limits performance. The manipulator was specifically designed to meet requirements such as size, precision, and sterilization; this has six-degree-of-freedom parallel architecture and provides positioning accuracy with micrometer resolution within the eye. The manipulator is controlled by an operator with a “master manipulator” consisting of multiple joints. Results of the in vitro experiments revealed that when compared to the manual procedure, a higher stability and accuracy of tool positioning could be achieved using the prototype robot. This microsurgical system that we have developed has superior operability as compared to traditional manual procedure and has sufficient potential to be used clinically for vitreoretinal surgery.

Tool Path Generator for Bone Machining in Minimally Invasive Orthopedic Surgery

Abstract: The generation and optimization of tool paths are considered to be challenging problems for the use of a milling robot in minimally invasive orthopedic surgery. The objective of this study was to minimize the collision of the cutting tool with soft tissue, and we propose a novel approach to tool path generation and optimization. Starting with the physical requirements, we modeled some important components, and on the basis of this model, we propose a geometric optimization approach to improve the tool path. Case studies show the validity of this approach. We developed software for the application, and then evaluated the effectiveness of the application.

Comparison of robot-assisted and manual retinal vessel microcannulation in an animal model.

Abstract: Aim To evaluate the performance of a parallel robotic system by comparison with the conventional manual procedure using an animal model. Methods A new parallel robotic system was developed that features a small cylindrical manipulator (base diameter 76 mm, height 240 mm). The performance of the new system was evaluated for its capability to assist in retinal vessel microcannulation. The test scenario was as follows: (1) introduce the microcannula into a harvested porcine eye attached loosely on the orbital fossa of an artificial face model through a 20G scleral port at the pars plana; (2) cannulate the retinal vessels (inner diameter 60–80 μm); and (3) inject indocyanine green dye into the eye endovascularly. The success rate and procedure quality of the robotic system were evaluated by comparison with the conventional manual procedure. Results Retinal vessel microcannulation and dye injection were achieved by the robotic system twice in four attempts, and by the conventional manual procedure either not at all or incompletely in all six attempts. Dye leakage was not observed with the robotic system, indicating that microcannulation was minimally invasive; in contrast, dye leakage was always observed with the manual procedure. Conclusions The new system is more accurate than the conventional manual procedure for the tests on a porcine eye model.

New steady-hand Eye Robot with micro-force sensing for vitreoretinal surgery

Abstract: In retinal microsurgery, surgeons are required to perform micron scale maneuvers while safely applying forces to the retinal tissue that are below sensory perception. Real-time characterization and precise manipulation of this delicate tissue has thus far been hindered by human limits on tool control and the lack of a surgically compatible endpoint sensing instrument. Here we present the design of a new generation, cooperatively controlled microsurgery robot with a remote center-of-motion (RCM) mechanism and an integrated custom micro-force sensing surgical hook. Utilizing the forces measured by the end effector, we correct for tool deflections and implement a micro-force guided cooperative control algorithm to actively guide the operator. Preliminary experiments have been carried out to test our new control methods on raw chicken egg inner shell membranes and to capture useful dynamic characteristics associated with delicate tissue manipulations.

Micron: An Actively Stabilized Handheld Tool for Microsurgery

Abstract: We describe the design and performance of a handheld actively stabilized tool to increase accuracy in microsurgery or other precision manipulation. It removes involuntary motion, such as tremor, by the actuation of the tip to counteract the effect of the undesired handle motion. The key components are a 3-degree-of-freedom (DOF) piezoelectric manipulator that has a 400-μm range of motion, 1-N force capability, and bandwidth over 100 Hz, and an optical position-measurement subsystem that acquires the tool pose with 4-μm resolution at 2000 samples/s. A control system using these components attenuates hand motion by at least 15 dB (a fivefold reduction). By the consideration of the effect of the frequency response of Micron on the human visual feedback loop, we have developed a filter that reduces unintentional motion, yet preserves the intuitive eye-hand coordination. We evaluated the effectiveness of Micron by measuring the accuracy of the human/machine system in three simple manipulation tasks. Handheld testing by three eye surgeons and three nonsurgeons showed a reduction in the position error of between 32% and 52%, depending on the error metric.

From Passive Tool Holders to Microsurgeons: Safer, Smaller, Smarter Surgical Robots

Abstract: Within only a few decades from its initial introduction, the field of surgical robotics has evolved into a dynamic and rapidly growing research area with increasing clinical uptake worldwide. Initially introduced for stereotaxic neurosurgery, surgical robots are now involved in an increasing number of procedures, demonstrating their practical clinical potential while propelling further advances in surgical innovations. Emerging platforms are also able to perform complex interventions through only a single-entry incision, and navigate through natural anatomical pathways in a tethered or wireless fashion. New devices facilitate superhuman dexterity and enable the performance of surgical steps that are otherwise impossible. They also allow seamless integration of microimaging techniques at the cellular level, significantly expanding the capabilities of surgeons. This paper provides an overview of the significant achievements in surgical robotics and identifies the current trends and future research directions of the field in making surgical robots safer, smaller, and smarter.

First-in-human study of the safety and viability of intraocular robotic surgery

Abstract: Microsurgery of the retina would be dramatically improved by instruments that offer supra-human precision. Here, we report the results of a first-in-human study of remotely controlled robot-assisted retinal surgery performed through a telemanipulation device. Specifically, 12 patients that required dissection of the epiretinal or inner limiting membrane over the macula were randomly assigned to either undergo robot-assisted surgery or manual surgery, under general anaesthesia. We evaluated surgical success, the duration of surgery and the amount of retinal microtrauma as a proxy for safety. Surgical outcomes were equally successful in the robotic surgery and manual surgery groups. Differences in the amount of retinal microtrauma between the two groups were statistically insignificant, yet dissection took longer with robotic surgery (median time: 4 min 55 s) than with manual surgery (1 min 20 s). We also show the feasibility of using the robot to inject recombinant tissue plasminogen activator under the retina to displace sight-threatening haemorrhage in three patients under local anaesthesia. A safe and viable robotic system for intraocular surgery would enable precise and minimally traumatic delivery of gene therapy or cell therapy to the retina.

Topology and Constraint Analysis of Phase Change in the Metamorphic Chain and Its Evolved Mechanism

Abstract: This paper presents a metamorphic kinematic pair extracted from origami folds in the context of mechanisms, its evolved metamorphic chain, and the novel metamorphic parallel mechanism. This paper starts from the generic issues of topological representation for metamorphic mechanism, leading to unified elementary matrix operation for presentation of topological variation. Phase matrix and augmented adjacency matrix are developed to present the topological state and geometry of metamorphic mechanism in an evolutionary process. The metamorphic kinematic pair has the ability of changing mobility to generate different motion patterns based on mobility change correlated with the link annex induced topological phase change. This paper then investigates topological variation of the metamorphic chain and the topological subphases are enumerated in accordance with structure evolution. Using the metamorphic chain as chain-legs, a multiloop metamorphic mechanism with ability of performing phase change and orientation switch is constructed. The disposition of constraints and geometric constraints induced bifurcated motion are analyzed based on screw theory. The topological variation of the metamorphic parallel mechanism is addressed and the foldability is verified by physical device.