Generally, robot-assisted heart surgery requires an assistant to help surgeons insert the robot arm through a small incision.
A research team led by Professor Toshihiko Shibata and Associate Professor Yosuke Takahashi from Osaka Metropolitan University has developed an innovative device designed to improve the efficiency and autonomy of robot-assisted heart surgeries.
This new device, a surgical field expansion plate, addresses a critical challenge: ensuring the surgeon has sufficient space to operate effectively with the robotic arm during the procedure.
The device is made from a specialized plastic that combines the biocompatibility needed for medical implants with the durability and lightweight qualities suitable for aerospace applications. This material choice enhances the surgeon’s ability to work independently. This ensures the device is safe for surgical use and robust enough to perform its function.
The team tested the device during heart surgeries, successfully demonstrating its ability to maintain a secure and stable surgical field, giving the surgeon more freedom to maneuver the robotic arm without interference.
The expansion plate could reduce surgical assistants’ need for continuous adjustments by supporting a larger, more accessible workspace. This would streamline the process and allow the surgeon to focus more directly on the operation itself.
Prof. Takahashi stated, “This flexible yet rigid medical-grade device is simple and reusable. This plate is expected to enable robot-assisted heart surgery that is not dependent on the assistant’s skill, with further applications expected in fields such as oral surgery and otolaryngology.”
Journal Reference:
- Yosuke Takahashi, Akimasa Morisaki et al. Self-Adjusting Atrial and Subvalvular Exposure System for Robotic Surgery. Innovations Technology and Techniques in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery. DOI: 10.1177/15569845241287769
