Design of a novel single incision laparoscopic surgery robot with increased tissue handling force

Abstract

Recently, the number of single port laparoscopic surgery (SILS) that can easily conceal postoperative scars is increasing, and robotic SILS platforms are being developed to overcome inconvenient maneuverability of manual SILS. However, the drive mechanism of most robotic SILS platforms existing uses the wire, therefore it cannot afford to deliver sufficient force, and the wire is mechanically deformed, thus causing negative effects on movement accuracy. Due to this limitation, a precious operation cannot be conducted by using conventional robotic SILS platforms. This paper presents the design of a novel single incision surgery robot that is actuated by using plate spring driven mechanisms with relatively high force transmission and larger workspace. Evaluations of PLAS were performed and its feasibility as a novel effective robotic SILS platform was proved. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.