INTRODUCTION
•Robotic surgery refersto the use of robotic
systems to assist in performing surgical
procedures. The goal is to enhance the
precision, flexibility, and control of surgeons
during operations. These robotic systems are
typically controlled by a surgeon from a
console, where they operate specialized
robotic arms and tools.
Early Beginnings (1950s-1980s)
1950s:The concept of robotic surgery began to emerge with the
development of early robots for industrial and military purposes.
During this time, researchers and engineers started to envision how
these machines could be adapted for medical use.
1960s: Early robotic research was focused on tele-surgery (surgery at
a distance) and was largely theoretical. The work of Dr. Charles H.
Knight in the 1960s, for example, was instrumental in developing
ideas about robotic assistance in medicine.
1985: One of the first true robotic surgery systems was introduced, the
PUMA 560. It was developed by Unimation, a company that created
industrial robots. The PUMA 560 was used in a neurosurgery
procedure to assist in guiding a surgeon's instruments during a biopsy.
It was controlled by the surgeon, but it was not a fully automated
system. It was more of a computer-assisted device that could help
improve precision.
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The Rise ofModern Robotic Surgery (1990s)
•1992: The development of the Raven robotic system at the
University of Washington paved the way for more
advanced robotic technologies. It focused on providing a
more practical, low-cost solution for robotic surgery, and its
capabilities helped demonstrate the potential for using
robots in real clinical settings.
•1997: The "Laparoscopic Surgery" revolution helped pave
the way for robotic systems. Laparoscopic surgery involves
small incisions and camera-assisted procedures. The
evolution of minimally invasive surgery set the stage for
robotic surgery, as it required precise movements and
enhanced visualization—qualities that robotic systems
could provide.
6.
The Birth ofthe Da Vinci Surgical System (2000s)
•2000: Intuitive Surgical introduced the da Vinci Surgical
System, which would become the most widely recognized
and commercially successful robotic surgical platform. The
da Vinci system allowed surgeons to operate through small
incisions with greater precision and control, using robotic
arms and a console where the surgeon could control the
instruments.
•The da Vinci system features 3D visualization, wristed
instruments, and greater range of motion, all of which are
far superior to the traditional tools surgeons use. The first
prostatectomy (removal of the prostate gland) using the da
Vinci system was performed in 2000, marking a key
milestone in robotic surgery.
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Key Milestones inRobotic Surgery:
1.1985 - First robotic-assisted surgery with PUMA 560.
2.2000 - The da Vinci Surgical System becomes
available.
3.2001 - The first prostatectomy using the da Vinci
system.
4.2006 - The FDA approves the da Vinci Surgical
System for general use in surgeries.
5.2011 - Robotic surgery surpasses 100,000 surgeries
annually.
6.2020s - Surgeons are increasingly using AI and
machine learning to enhance robotic systems
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TYPES OF ROBOTICSURGERY
• Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery
• Overview: This type of surgery combines robotic
technology with laparoscopic techniques (small incisions
and the use of a camera).
• Common Uses:
• Gallbladder removal
• Hernia repair
• Colon surgery
• Bariatric (weight loss) surgery
• Popular System: da Vinci Surgical System
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2. Robotic-Assisted HeartSurgery
Overview: Robotic technology is used for minimally invasive heart surgeries,
allowing for more precise control of instruments during procedures.
Common Uses:
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
Valve repair or replacement
Atrial fibrillation treatment
Popular System: da Vinci Surgical System or specialized systems like Corindus
CorPath.
3. Robotic Prostate Surgery (Robotic Prostatectomy)
Overview: Used to remove the prostate gland for prostate cancer using small
incisions and robotic tools to improve precision and reduce recovery time.
Common Uses:
Prostatectomy (removal of prostate)
Popular System: da Vinci Surgical System.
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Robotic Kidney Surgery(Robotic Nephrectomy)
•Overview: Robotic-assisted surgery for the removal of kidney tumors or kidneys in
cases of kidney disease.
•Common Uses:
• Nephrectomy (removal of the kidney)
• Tumor resection
•Popular System: da Vinci Surgical System.
7. Robotic Colorectal Surgery
•Overview: Robotic surgery is used for procedures involving the colon, rectum, or
anus.
•Common Uses:
• Colon cancer surgery
• Rectal cancer surgery
• Colorectal resection
•Popular System: da Vinci Surgical System.
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HOW IT WORKS
•1.The Robotic System Setup
• Robotic Console: The surgeon sits at a console, which controls the robotic arms. The console
includes a 3D high-definition view of the surgical area (usually through a camera) and
controls for the robotic instruments. The surgeon can manipulate these instruments using
hand and foot controls, which are translated into precise movements by the robot.
• Robotic Arms: These robotic arms hold and maneuver the surgical instruments. These
arms can move with greater dexterity and precision than the human hand, allowing
for more delicate operations. They are also capable of very fine, intricate
movements without fatigue.
• Endoscope/Cameras: A small camera or endoscope is inserted into the
patient's body. It provides a high-definition, 3D view of the surgical site,
allowing the surgeon to see the area in great detail. The camera is
usually placed through a small incision (minimally invasive surgery).
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2. Pre-Surgery Preparation
•MinimallyInvasive Approach: Most robotic surgeries are minimally invasive,
meaning the surgeon makes small incisions instead of a large one. Through
these incisions, the surgeon inserts the robotic arms, instruments, and camera
into the body.
•Mapping and Imaging: In some surgeries (like spinal surgery), the robot is
first “mapped” using imaging technologies (e.g., CT scans or MRI). This helps
the robot navigate the body more precisely, ensuring that the surgeon can
perform the procedure with maximum accuracy.
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3. During Surgery
•SurgeonControl: The surgeon controls the robotic arms via the console.
Movements made by the surgeon are scaled and translated into precise robotic
actions. For example, if the surgeon moves a joystick to make a small motion, the
robotic arm moves in very fine increments, which can be magnified and
translated into the surgical area.
•Enhanced Vision: The surgeon can zoom in on the surgical site, rotate images,
and see the area in 3D. This provides greater clarity, allowing for more accurate
movements, such as suturing or cutting.
•Greater Precision: The robotic instruments can be steadier than human hands.
They can perform delicate tasks with high precision, which is particularly useful in
small or hard-to-reach areas, such as in prostate or heart surgery.
•Tremor Reduction: Robotic systems are designed to eliminate human hand
tremors. This results in smoother, more controlled movements, especially when
performing detailed tasks.
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4. Post-Surgery
•Recovery Time:Because robotic surgery is minimally invasive, the incisions are
smaller, which typically means less trauma to the body and quicker recovery times for
patients compared to traditional open surgery.
•Reduced Blood Loss: Smaller incisions mean less tissue damage, leading to
reduced blood loss during surgery. This can lower the risk of complications like infections
and speed up healing
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BENEFITS OF ROBOTICSURGERY
• Minimally Invasive: Smaller incisions, less pain, reduced scarring, and shorter
recovery times.
• Precision: Increased accuracy for complex surgeries, which can result in better
outcomes.
• Enhanced Visualization: High-definition, 3D cameras provide a better view of the
surgical area than the naked eye.
• Reduced Fatigue: Surgeons can perform complex procedures without physical
strain, as the robotic system aids in precision and reduces repetitive motion.
• Faster Recovery: Patients generally experience less postoperative pain, reduced risk
of infection, and faster recovery due to the minimally invasive nature of the surgery.
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ROLE OF BIOMEDICALENGINEERS
IN ROBOTIC SURGERY
• 1. Design and Development of Robotic Systems
• System Engineering: Biomedical engineers are involved in the design of robotic
surgery systems, including the robotic arms, surgical instruments, and consoles.
They work with teams of mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to create
systems that are reliable, precise, and capable of performing delicate surgical
tasks.
• Human-Machine Interface (HMI): Biomedical engineers help design the
interface between the surgeon and the robotic system. This involves ensuring that
the surgeon can control the robot intuitively and efficiently, such as with the use of
joysticks, foot pedals, and touchscreens. They also focus on creating ergonomic
consoles to minimize surgeon fatigue during long procedures.
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2. Integration ofRobotics and Medical Imaging
•Imaging Integration: Biomedical engineers help integrate imaging
technologies like CT scans, MRIs, and real-time 3D imaging into robotic
systems. This integration allows the robot to "see" the surgical site with high
clarity, aiding the surgeon in making informed decisions during the
procedure. Engineers work on the software that interprets these images
and translates them into actions that the robotic system can perform.
•Navigation Systems: In surgeries such as spinal or brain surgery,
accurate navigation is essential. Biomedical engineers are involved in
developing navigation systems that help the robot and surgeon precisely
locate tissues, organs, and anatomical structures to guide the surgery
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3. Software Developmentand Control
•Control Algorithms: Biomedical engineers work on the software that controls the
movements of robotic arms and instruments. This includes developing algorithms that
allow the robot to carry out delicate tasks, such as cutting or suturing, with high
precision and reliability.
•Safety and Error Handling: Engineers program the robot to prevent errors or
malfunctions during surgery. This includes implementing fail-safes, such as automatic
pauses or warnings if the system detects unexpected behavior, such as instrument
movement outside safe limits.
•Data Analytics: Engineers may also design systems to collect data during surgery,
such as tracking the movement of robotic arms, instrument performance, and
surgical outcomes. This data can be analyzed for continuous improvement of the
system.
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4. Quality Assuranceand Testing
•System Validation: Biomedical engineers conduct extensive testing of
robotic surgery systems before they are used in clinical settings. They test the
system's functionality, reliability, and safety under various conditions to
ensure it meets regulatory standards (e.g., FDA approval).
•Simulations and Training: Before surgeries are performed on actual patients,
biomedical engineers help create simulation environments where surgeons
can practice using the robotic system. These simulations allow surgeons to
become familiar with the technology and ensure they are able to use it
effectively during live procedures.
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5. Maintenance andTechnical Support
•System Maintenance: Once robotic surgery systems are in use,
biomedical engineers are responsible for maintaining and servicing the
equipment. This includes checking for wear and tear on the robotic arms,
ensuring the imaging systems remain accurate, and updating software to
enhance performance and fix any bugs.
•Troubleshooting and Support: During actual surgeries, biomedical
engineers may be on hand to provide technical support in case of any
malfunctions or difficulties with the robotic system. They ensure that the
equipment continues to function smoothly and address any issues quickly to
minimize surgical disruptions.
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6. Innovation andResearch
•Advancing Robotic Technology: Biomedical engineers are involved in
researching and developing the next generation of robotic surgery
technology. This includes improving the precision, flexibility, and
capabilities of surgical robots, as well as exploring new applications for
robotic surgery in fields like neurosurgery, orthopedics, or even minimally
invasive procedures.
•Integration with Artificial Intelligence (AI): Biomedical engineers explore
the potential integration of AI and machine learning into robotic
surgery. AI could help the robot make real-time decisions based on
data inputs (e.g., analyzing patient conditions during surgery), further
enhancing precision and outcomes.