Design of Cable-Driven Flexible Robot Used in Laryngoscopic Surgery
摘要
In the realm of laryngoscopic surgery, the confined anatomical space of the pharynx and larynx poses significant challenges for traditional procedures. These challenges include a limited surgical field of view, diminished image resolution, and the difficulty of executing precise maneuvers. Such constraints frequently result in considerable patient trauma during operations. This study introduces a cable-driven flexible robotic arm designed to navigate these confined spaces effectively. By utilizing the robotic arm’s capability to bend fluidly, the device enhances both the precision and speed of surgical interventions, thus improving outcomes in restricted operational environments. The core contributions of this research include: (1) The development of flexible joints for a cable-driven robotic arm, facilitating the integration of cameras and surgical tools; (2) A novel two-segment trunk design for the laryngoscope, which decouples the insertion of the arm into the larynx from the adjustments of the end-effector’s posture, thereby preventing the deformation of the trunk during end-effector manipulation; (3) The creation of independent surgical instrument branches equipped with their own joints on either side of the trunk. Once the trunk laryngoscope is positioned within the laryngeal cavity and the lesion site is exposed, these branches stabilize the camera mounted on the trunk joints, ensuring a consistent field of view throughout the procedure.