Computer-aided minimally invasive coronary surgery (robotics)

pp 302-306

Abstract

The essential component of surgical robots is the manipula­tion arm, typically equipped with several electrical or hy­draulically driver actuators, so as to move a series of joints or articulations. Currently available robots for cardiac sur­gery are termed "on line" machines, meaning the human operator must be in permanent control of the system through a man-machine interface. The underlying concepts is to enhance human ability to perform small scale (sub­millimeter) manipulative tasks requiring human judgment and perception through the smooth action and precise posi­tional control of a computerized robot. Since the surgeon's hand movements are transformed into electronic impulses by the system's input device, it is unnecessary for the pa­tient and the operator to be in the same room, facility, city or even the same continent. This technique is known as tele or cyber surgery. Virtual immobilization is an attractive new concept, aimed at the apparent elimination of cardiac activ­ity. Perfect synchronization between the motion of the ro­botic camera and instruments and the heart allows the op­erator to work as if on a stationary environment.