US20150025549A1 - Hyperdexterous surgical system - Google Patents

Abstract

A hyperdexterous surgical system is provided. The system can include one or more surgical arms coupleable to a fixture and configured to support one or more surgical tools. The system can include an electronic control system configured to communicate electronically with the one or more robotic surgical tools. The control system can electronically control the operation of the one or more surgical tools. The system can include one or more portable handheld controllers actuatable by a surgeon to communicate one or more control signals to the one or more surgical tools via the electronic control system to operate the one or more surgical tools. The one or more portable handheld controllers can provide said one or more control signals from a plurality of locations of an operating arena, allowing a surgeon to be mobile during a surgical procedure and to remotely operate the one or more surgical tools from different locations of the operating arena.

Description

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS
• This application is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No. 14/388,180 filed Sep. 25, 2014, which is a US National Phase of International Application No. PCT/US2014/026115 filed Mar. 13, 2014 designating the US and published in English on Sep. 25, 2014 as WO 2014/151621, which claims the priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/791,248 filed Mar. 15, 2013, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/906,802 filed Nov. 20, 2013, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/908,888 filed Nov. 26, 2013, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/915,403 filed Dec. 12, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/935,966 filed Feb. 5, 2014, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety and should be considered a part of this specification.
BACKGROUND
• 1. Field
• Surgical robots allow surgeons to operate on patients in a minimally invasive manner. The present application relates to surgical systems and methods, and more particularly to a hyperdexterous surgical system with one or more hyperdexterous surgical arms and one or more hyperdexterous surgical tools, and methods of operating the same.
• 2. Description of the Related Art
• Currently, surgeons must select between discrete modes of minimally invasive surgery utilizing many techniques. Laparoscopic surgery generally falls in two categories: laparoscopic surgery with manual tools and laparoscopic surgery with robotic tools. In laparoscopic surgery using manual tools, procedures are typically performed through small incisions. The manual tools can be translated, rotated, and/or moved about a fulcrum. For manual tools that rotate about a fulcrum, the surgeon holds the handle of the tool. As the surgeon moves the handle in one direction, the distal end of the tool moves in another direction. The resulting motion of the distal end of the tool relative to the motion of the proximal end of the tool may not be natural, requiring the surgeon to practice the technique.
• The motions of the laparoscopic tool are captured by a laparoscopic camera. The laparoscopic camera has a long shaft that is inserted into the body through an incision just like a manual tool. The laparoscopic camera is positioned to view the distal tips of the manual tools and captures the motion of the distal end of the tools. The display typically shows the motion of the tools relative to the frame of reference of the camera. For manual tools that rotate about a fulcrum, the tool moves in a polar coordinate system which may not be readily apparent based on the images of the laparoscopic camera.
• Another mode of laparoscopic surgery is robotic surgery. In on-market robotic surgical systems, a large robotic arm controls a robotic tool. The tool is inserted into a small incision. The distal end of the robotic tool typically includes an end effector (e.g., a grasper, stapler, etc.) for performing a procedure within the body of the patient. The end effector is translated in space, within the constraints of the capabilities of the robotic arm. The surgeon typically controls the robotic arm from an immersive console that is remote from the patient. The robotic tool is configured to do certain surgical tasks well, but is not well-suited for other surgical tasks.
• In on-market surgical robotic systems, the motions of the robotic tool are generally captured by a robotic camera. The motions of the robotic camera are controlled by a robotic arm, also under control of the surgeon just like the robotic arms controlling the robotic tools. The surgeon can map the movements of his hand to the movement of the robotic tool in the frame of reference of the camera. The motions of the surgeon's hands are mapped to the distal end effectors of the robotic tools within the frame of reference of the robotic camera. The frame of reference is therefore limited to the view provided by the camera. The display typically shows the motion of the distal end of the robotic tools relative to the frame of reference of the camera. The surgeon must therefore create a mental model of the anatomy with the limited information provided by the camera to control the robotic tools as desired for a particular task. Due to his remote location, the surgeon cannot acquire additional views of the patient in order to augment his understanding of the surgical space. This mode of operation is limiting for large motions or motions where it is more natural to move with respect to a frame of reference outside the body of the patient. Therefore, controlling the distal tips of the robotic tools relative to the robotic camera frame of reference makes some aspects of the surgical procedure more natural as compared to laparoscopic surgery using manual tools. For example it may be easier to manipulate a needle holder tool in a suturing task. However, the limited frame of reference of the robotic camera makes some other aspects of the surgery less natural. For example, making large movements from one quadrant of the abdomen to another, especially motions that involve the camera sweeping through an arc that includes the midline of the patient, are very challenging. These same motions can be accomplished in a natural manner with manual tools from a frame of reference external to the patient's body.
• The on-market systems have complex mechanisms controlling the tool, for instance controlling the rotation and translation of the tool. In some current robotic systems, translation of the tool is achieved using a complex and bulky series of nesting linear slides. In order to make the full length of the tool shaft available for surgery, the slides are attached to the extreme proximal end of the tool. As a result, in any condition except full extension of the tool into the body, the translation mechanism extends away from the patient's body. In this position, the translation mechanism is subject to interference with other components of the robotic arm or other robotic arms. The size of the rotation and translation mechanism does not allow close positioning of adjacent robotic arms, so in some cases, robotic tools are placed further apart. The translation mechanism imparts a high inertial load on the robotic arm when the tool moves through pitch and yaw, thereby necessitating a larger, more powerful arm. The rotation and translation mechanisms add weight to the distal end of the robotic arm. The linking segments and the motors to control the linking segments must therefore be larger in order to move the complex rotation and translation mechanisms controlling the robotic tool. Each additional segment and each additional motor add weight that compounds the problem. The distal end of the robotic arm is heavy and has to be supported by increasingly more powerful proximal joints to maintain adequate level of stiffness.
• The robotic arms therefore are bulky and occupy the space surrounding the patient. In cases where multiple robotic arms used to perform a surgical procedure, the arms must be carefully coordinated to avoid collisions. Further, many additional steps are taken to reposition the robotic arm to avoid collisions between components of the robotic arm. Further, due to the angle of insertion, the size and design of the robotic arms and tools, and other factors, the robotic arm may be unable to reach certain locations, called dead zones. The large size of the robotic arm forces the surgical staff to plan the operation around the robotic arm. This leads to less flexibility and efficiency for surgical procedures. Additionally, on-market robotic arms are heavy. The design of the robotic systems requires specially designed operating arenas, already set up for the use of the robotic system. There is thus limited flexibility in the setup of the operating room.
• The surgeon is located remotely from the patient when using on-market robotic surgical systems, often sitting or standing at a remote console. Typically, the surgeon views the surgery site and tools through a viewer which provides an immersive experience. In some cases, communication between the surgeon and the supporting staff is constrained or impeded due to the surgeon's position over the console. Teams that perform robotic surgery need to be highly trained and skilled since the surgeon is remote from the patient and unable to communicate with the staff directly. It takes months, in some cases years, of practice to achieve a high level of efficiency in situations where robotic surgery is performed. This makes it difficult for members of the team to be replaced. Additionally, from this remote location (at the console), the surgeon cannot simultaneously use manual tools while controlling the robot arm.
• Some tasks such as executing large scale motion of the robotic tools from one surgical site to another surgical site in a patient's body become more difficult due to the interference of components of the robotic arms. Some tasks easily performed with manual tools are more complex or impossible to perform with robotic tools. For example, in some cases, the robot simply does not have an end effector capable of accomplishing the task. Some tasks requiring tactile feedback, such as palpation, cannot be done by the surgeon operating the robotic arm. Rather, the surgeon operating the robotic arm requires an assistant or a surgeon beside the operating table to assist in these types of tasks.
• On-market robotic arms typically have two degrees of freedom. Typically, these two degrees of freedom come from a pitch mechanism and a roll mechanism. The robotic tool typically has four degrees of freedom. The robotic tool can typically translate and rotate. The robotic tool can typically pitch and yaw at the wrist. The on-market systems typically thus have six degrees of freedom including the degrees of freedom from the robotic arm and the robotic tool.
• The translation mechanism used by some robotic arms cannot rotate about the shaft axis. To achieve rotation, these systems simply rotate just the tool shaft independently of the translation mechanism. The cables which articulate the end effector twist during rotation, thus causing friction and binding of the cables. This twisting causes a change of length in the cables which must be compensated for by elasticity or slack in the system. This twisting also causes a limitation on the range of rotation, typically limited to approximately +/−270° of rotation.
• One drawback of the current modes of minimally invasive surgery discussed above is that they are discrete. In order for the surgeon to use manual tools at the operating table, he or she cannot be controlling the robotic arm at a remote console. In order for the surgeon to control the robotic arm at a remote console, he or she cannot be using manual tools at the operating table. The surgeon cannot simultaneously control both robotic tools and manual tools.
• Another drawback of the current modes of minimally invasive surgery is that they provide limited information to the surgeon. Typically this information is limited to the view of a robotic camera. The surgeon is not provided with information about additional constraints, such as the location of the patient, surgeon, or tools relative to the image from the camera. The surgeon is not provided with information to understand the frame of reference of the camera without moving the tools and/or moving the robotic camera. By moving the tools and viewing the image, the surgeon can create a mental model of the work space inside the patient and the operating arena.
• Another drawback with on-market robotic surgical systems is that they do not allow the surgeon the ability to reposition him or herself during surgery. The surgeon must remain at the immersive console to manipulate the robotic tools to perform a surgical task with the end effectors of the robotic tools.
• Another drawback of on-market robotic surgical systems is that they are typically anchored to the ground and do not follow the orientation of the patient during the course of surgery. The position of the robotic arm and/or bed cannot be changed while the robotic arm is in use. Typically robotic arms are mounted to a horizontal level surface (e.g., anchored to the floor) and the patient is placed on a horizontal level surface (e.g., bed). In some surgeries, it may be advantageous to angle (e.g., tilt) the body of the patient relative to the horizontal surface (e.g., lowering the head of the patient to have internal organs shift toward the patient's head) based on the surgery to be performed.
• Another drawback with on-market robotic arms is that accessing the workspace may require the robotic arms to move through a very large range of motion. The movement may be limited when multiple robotic arms are used for a single surgery. The chances of collision between the robotic arms or components of a single robotic arm increases. The challenge is to maximize the work space inside the body while maximizing the free space outside of the patient, while also keeping the robotic system small and compact.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• There is a need for a surgical system that overcomes the deficiencies discussed above with on-market robotic surgical systems and provides flexibility to surgeons when performing surgical procedures.
• The hyperdexterous surgical system discussed below overcomes many of the deficiencies discussed above and provides advantages over on-market robotic surgical systems. One advantage of the hyperdexterous surgical system is that the hyperdexterous surgical system is small and compact, and therefore can be mounted in a variety of ways to a variety of fixtures. One advantage of the hyperdexterous surgical system is that the hyperdexterous surgical arm can be mounted to follow an orientation of a patient during a surgical procedure, such as when the body of the patient is tilted to facilitate conducting a particular surgical procedure (e.g., to shift internal organs in a way that provides better access to the desired tissue or organ). One advantage of the hyperdexterous surgical system is the ability to use hyperdexterous surgical tools and manual tools simultaneously by a surgeon while operating on a patient. Another advantage of the hyperdexterous surgical system is that it is modular and thus provides flexibility in how the surgical arena is set up prior to or during a procedure, and allows the free space above the patient to be maximized Still another advantage of the system is that it allows the surgeon to be mobile while performing a surgical procedure and to seamlessly move between using only manual tools, using manual and hyperdexterous surgical tools, and using only hyperdexterous surgical tools during the surgical procedure. Another advantage of the system is that it provides the surgeon with additional information that makes the operation of hyperdexterous surgical tools more natural. Still another advantage is that it provides the surgeon with the ability to reposition him or herself during surgery to perform a particular surgical task near the patient. For example, during the course of a surgical procedure, the surgeon may desire to manipulate tools from different positions based on the procedure to be done, or to reposition him or herself due to the manner in which a manual tool needs to be held. Still another advantage of the system is that the end effector of a hyperdexterous surgical tool can reach disparate locations inside the patient from a single entry point, such that the work space inside the patient's body is maximized. For example in abdominal surgery, there may be a need to access all four quadrants of the abdomen from a single entry point. Further advantages of the hyperdexterous surgical system will become apparent in the description provided herein.
• In accordance with another aspect, the hyperdexterous surgical arm can couple to a fixture (e.g., operating table, hospital bed, examination table, wall, floor, ceiling, table, cart, or dolly). The hyperdexterous surgical arm can be supported by a support arm. The support arm can be moved to position the hyperdexterous surgical arm. The support arm can be moved to position the Remote Center. The hyperdexterous surgical arm can be supported by a horizontal position adjusting mechanism. The hyperdexterous surgical arm can be supported by a vertical position adjusting mechanism. The horizontal position adjusting mechanism and/or the vertical position adjusting mechanism can be moved to position the Remote Center.
• In accordance with another aspect, the hyperdexterous surgical system can enable the one or more hyperdexterous surgical arms to be angled (e.g., tilt) to follow an orientation of a patient during the course of the surgery. Typically the patient is placed on a horizontal level surface (e.g., bed). In some surgeries, it may be advantageous to angle (e.g. tilt) the body of the patient relative to the horizontal surface (e.g., lowering the head of the patient to shift internal organs toward the head of the patient away from a surgical site for improved access to the surgical site) based on the surgery to be performed. The hyperdexterous surgical system thus enables the angling (e.g., tilting from horizontal) of the hyperdexterous surgical arm during the procedure with the hyperdexterous surgical arm in use.
• In accordance with one aspect, the hyperdexterous surgical system accommodates the simultaneous use of a manual tool and a hyperdexterous surgical tool by one operator, such as a surgeon. The simultaneous use of manual tools and hyperdexterous surgical tools can be in the same workspace inside the patient. The operator can control a manual tool with one hand and a hyperdexterous surgical tool with the other hand.
• The hyperdexterous surgical tool can include a tool shaft, a wrist and an end effector. The tool can have a motor pack at a proximal end or located at any point along the shaft of the tool. The motor pack can include a plurality of motors that actuate movement of a drive mechanism in the tool to effect motion of the end effector. In one embodiment, the motor pack can be removable.
• In accordance with another aspect, the hyperdexterous surgical system enables the operator to interact with the patient from multiple locations, including at the patient's bedside, i.e., at the operating table, while operating the hyperdexterous surgical tools. The hyperdexterous surgical system enables the operator to control one or more hyperdexterous surgical tools, or simultaneously control a hyperdexterous surgical tool and a manual tool, at the patient's bedside while positioned next to the patient.
• In accordance with another aspect, the hyperdexterous surgical system enables the operator to be mobile around the operating arena during the procedure. The mobility allows the surgeon to find the optimal position about the patient to perform a surgical procedure and to reposition him or herself during the course of a surgery as needed or desired. The hyperdexterous surgical system thus enables the operator to control a hyperdexterous surgical tool from a plurality of locations, including from the patient's bedside and/or from a separate remote stand. The operator can relocate to a more optimal position to manipulate a manual tool and/or a hyperdexterous surgical tool.
• In accordance with another aspect, the hyperdexterous surgical system is modular, thereby enabling flexibility and versatility in arranging one or more hyperdexterous surgical arms of the hyperdexterous surgical system relative to the patient. Such flexibility provided by the hyperdexterous surgical system allows advantageous spacing of the hyperdexterous surgical arms. This flexibility also allows the operating arena to be set up to conform to the patient or the environment prior to beginning a surgical procedure, and to be modified during a surgical procedure, by adding or removing hyperdexterous surgical arms as needed. The flexibility provided by the modular aspect of the hyperdexterous surgical system also enables more free space around the patient, which limits collisions between one or more hyperdexterous surgical arms. Said free space also allows the surgeon greater access to the patient, for example to manipulate a manual tool from various positions (e.g., simultaneously with a hyperdexterous surgical tool) or reposition him or herself relative to the patient during a surgery, such as when emergency procedures need to be performed on the patient. Said free space provided by the hyperdexterous surgical system also allows for positioning of additional hyperdexterous surgical arms, as well as allows for greater range of motion of the hyperdexterous surgical arms.
• In accordance with another aspect, the size and/or weight of the hyperdexterous surgical arm is minimized The size and/or weight of the rotate/translate mechanism of a hyperdexterous surgical tool is minimized, which allows the size and/or weight of the hyperdexterous surgical arm that supports the hyperdexterous surgical tool to be minimized. Minimizing the size and weight of the hyperdexterous surgical arm allows the use of drive mechanisms, such as motors, that are less bulky to effect movement of the hyperdexterous surgical arm. Further, the amount of power needed to power the drive mechanism of the hyperdexterous surgical arm is reduced. Additionally, the smaller size and/or weight of the hyperdexterous surgical arm allows for flexibility in the mounting of the hyperdexterous surgical arm to a fixture. Due to the smaller space taken up by hyperdexterous surgical system, the operator can advantageously have more free space around the surgical arena.
• In accordance with another aspect, the hyperdexterous surgical system facilitates the surgeon's natural understanding of the motion of the hyperdexterous surgical tools, by augmenting the surgeon's understanding of the positioning of the tools. The hyperdexterous surgical system provides information regarding the positioning of the manual tools and hyperdexterous surgical tools within the workspace, inside the body of a patient. For example, the hyperdexterous surgical system can provide visual cues to the surgeon that help the surgeon understand the orientation and position of the hyperdexterous surgical tools relative to the surgeon, allowing the surgeon to understand how the hyperdexterous surgical tools will move when actuated by the surgeon. The hyperdexterous surgical system enables the control of the hyperdexterous surgical tools to be adjusted based upon the preferences of the operator. The hyperdexterous surgical system enables the information presented to the operator to be adjusted based upon the preferences of the operator.
• In accordance with another aspect, the hyperdexterous surgical system reduces the dead zone, the region within the body inaccessible by the hyperdexterous surgical tool. The hyperdexterous surgical arm can be positioned such that the dead zones can be placed away from the patient's body. The hyperdexterous surgical system can be designed such that mounting the hyperdexterous surgical arm to minimize the dead zone is easy to achieve. The hyperdexterous surgical system can be designed such that a neutral position and/or a zero position of the hyperdexterous surgical arm minimize the dead zone.
• In accordance with another aspect, the hyperdexterous surgical arm can have a redundant degree of freedom. The redundant degree of freedom can allow the hyperdexterous surgical arm to be placed in a variety of desired poses. The redundant degree of freedom can enable more free space around the patient. The redundant degree of freedom can enable the placement and use of more hyperdexterous surgical arms (e.g., a plurality of hyperdexterous surgical arms), within the space above the patient. Additionally, the redundant degree of freedom can enable a larger workspace inside the patient. The redundant degree of freedom can limit the number of self-collisions (between components of a single hyperdexterous surgical arm) and other collisions (between hyperdexterous surgical arms, between hyperdexterous surgical arm and the patient).
• In accordance with one aspect, the hyperdexterous surgical arm can have three degrees of freedom. The hyperdexterous surgical arm can have one redundant degree of freedom compared with on-market systems. The hyperdexterous surgical arm can have two roll axes. One of the two roll axes can be a redundant roll axis. The hyperdexterous surgical arm can have a redundant roll mechanism. The hyperdexterous surgical tool and the rotate/translate mechanism can have four degrees of freedom. The hyperdexterous surgical tool can rotate and translate. Additionally, the hyperdexterous surgical tool can pitch and roll (e.g., via a wrist). The hyperdexterous surgical arm, hyperdexterous surgical tool and rotate/translate mechanism can together provide seven degrees of freedom. In one embodiment, the hyperdexterous surgical arm, hyperdexterous surgical tool and rotate/translate mechanism can together provide more than seven degrees of freedom. The hyperdexterous surgical arm can have more than one redundant degree of freedom compared with on-market systems. The redundant degree of freedom can allow the hyperdexterous surgical arm to be placed in a variety of desired poses. Additionally, the redundant degree of freedom can allow the hyperdexterous surgical tool to be positioned in a desired orientation via a variety of poses of the hyperdexterous surgical arm.
• The hyperdexterous surgical arm can be positioned to establish a Remote Center. The Remote Center is the location where entry into the body occurs. For the hyperdexterous surgical system, the Remote Center is a location in space where the axes of rotation of the various roll and pitch mechanisms of the hyperdexterous surgical arm and the axis of the hyperdexterous surgical tool intersect. The Remote Center can be located at the incision of a patient. The shoulder roll mechanism can be placed below the Remote Center to position the dead zone outside the body of the patient.
• In accordance with another aspect, the hyperdexterous surgical arm can include a pitch mechanism, a first roll mechanism, and a second roll mechanism. The axis of the first and second roll mechanism can pass through the Remote Center. Additionally, an axis of a hyperdexterous surgical tool coupled to the hyperdexterous surgical arm can pass through the Remote Center. The hyperdexterous surgical arm can be arranged such that the vertical location of the second roll mechanism can be at or below the Remote Center through which all the axes pass. The second roll mechanism is the redundant roll mechanism.
• The hyperdexterous surgical arm can be arranged such that the second roll mechanism can rotate at least up to +/−90° from an initial position. In some embodiments, the hyperdexterous surgical arm can be arranged such that the second roll mechanism can rotate more than +/−90° from an initial position. The second roll mechanism can advantageously reach targets that are inaccessible or difficult to reach with an on-market robotic arm having only the pitch mechanism and one roll mechanism.
• Due to the arrangement of the pitch mechanism, the first roll mechanism, and the second roll mechanism, the hyperdexterous surgical arm can assume various poses. The target location may be accessed by changing the orientation of the pitch mechanism, the first roll mechanism, and/or the second roll mechanism while maintaining Remote Center.
• In accordance with another aspect, the hyperdexterous surgical system includes a rotate/translate mechanism that can impart rotation and/or translation on a hyperdexterous surgical tool. The hyperdexterous surgical arm can be arranged such that the rotate/translate mechanism is located proximate the Remote Center (e.g., within 3-5 inches, within 2-6 inches, within 1-7 inches, less than 7 inches, less than 6 inches, less than 5 inches, less than 4 inches, less than 3 inches, less than 2 inches, less than 1 inch). The rotate/translate mechanism can be arranged to have a limited contribution to rotational moment of inertia of the hyperdexterous surgical arm. The rotate/translate mechanism can be arranged to limit interference with adjacent hyperdexterous surgical arms during movement. The rotate/translate mechanism can be arranged such that it acts directly on the shaft of the hyperdexterous surgical tool. The rotate/translate mechanism can be arranged such that it accommodates different size shafts of the hyperdexterous surgical tools. The rotate/translate mechanism can have a smaller width than on-market systems, allowing hyperdexterous surgical tools of adjacent hyperdexterous surgical arms to be positioned close together.
• The rotate/translate mechanism can be arranged such that the mechanical energy inputs for rotation and translation can be differential such that rotation and/or translation are achieved by combined motion of the two mechanical energy inputs. The mechanical energy inputs for rotation and translation can be differential such that the power applied to the mechanism is the combined power of the two input motors. The rotate/translate mechanism can be arranged such that it maintains a barrier between sterile components of the hyperdexterous surgical system and non-sterile components of the hyperdexterous surgical system. The rotate/translate mechanism can be arranged such that the shaft position of the hyperdexterous surgical tool is measured directly on the shaft through the resistance or capacitance of the shaft length outside the body of the patient.
• In accordance with another aspect, the hyperdexterous surgical system can include a control system. The hyperdexterous surgical arm can be controlled by an input device. The hyperdexterous surgical tool can be controlled by an input device. The position and orientation of the input device can be tracked. The input device can be wireless or wired. The hyperdexterous surgical system can include one or more input devices (e.g., two, three, four, five, six input devices, etc.).
• The input devices can control one or more control points. The control points are locations which have the capability to execute some motion. One or more control points can be located on the hyperdexterous surgical arm. One or more control points can be located on the hyperdexterous surgical tool. The conversion of movement of the input device to movement of one or more control points may be independent of the movement of other control points. The conversion of movement of the input device to movement of one or more control points may be synchronized with the movement of other control points. The operator can control one or more control points simultaneously.
• The controlled objects may be selected from the group comprising one or more hyperdexterous surgical tools and/or one or more hyperdexterous surgical arms. The control system of the hyperdexterous surgical system can convert the movement of the input device into movements of the controlled objects dependent on the zoom factor of images displayed on one or more displays.
• The control system can include the application of constraints between the one or more input devices and the one or more controlled objects. The control system can be arranged such that the constraints are measured quantities such as position or derived parameters such as distance, velocity, force, and tension. The control system can be arranged such that the constraints can be different for each controlled object. The control system can be arranged such that the constraints can be the same for a group of controlled objects. Each hyperdexterous surgical tool in the set can have an independent constraint. The constraint can be that one or more hyperdexterous surgical tools can be manipulated together with a single input device.
• The hyperdexterous surgical system can include an electronic control system that communicates with the one or more hyperdexterous surgical arms and/or one or more hyperdexterous surgical tools. The hyperdexterous surgical system can include one or more input devices that communicate a signal with the control system. The signal from the input devices can be transmitted within the operating arena. For example, the signal from the input devices can be transmitted from the bedside of a patient, allowing the operator to control hyperdexterous surgical arm from the bedside of a patient. The control system can communicate a signal with the one or more hyperdexterous surgical arms and/or one or more hyperdexterous surgical tools from various locations within the operating arena.
• In accordance with another aspect, the hyperdexterous surgical system enables the control of a hyperdexterous surgical tool and a manual tool in frames of reference that are aligned, partially aligned or independent of each other. The hyperdexterous surgical system enables control of one or more hyperdexterous surgical tools in frames of reference that are aligned, partially aligned or independent of each other. The hyperdexterous surgical system provides information to the operator regarding the frames of references.
• In accordance with another aspect, the hyperdexterous surgical system enables the movement of a hyperdexterous surgical tool to be locked to the movement of a single tool. The hyperdexterous surgical system enables the movement of one or more hyperdexterous surgical tools to be locked to the movement of a single hyperdexterous surgical tool. The hyperdexterous surgical system enables the movement of one or more hyperdexterous surgical tools to be locked to the movement of a single manual tool.
• In accordance with another aspect, the hyperdexterous surgical system enables and disables motion of one or more hyperdexterous surgical tools with a mechanism. The mechanism can be a clutch. The operation of the mechanism can establish a frame of reference for the hyperdexterous surgical tool. The operation of the mechanism enables the operator to establish a new reference frame after the initial establishment of a reference frame. The hyperdexterous surgical system can be arranged such that the frame of reference may be associated with the wrist or forearm of the operator's hand that is operating the input device. The hyperdexterous surgical system can be arranged such that the frame of reference may be associated with the wrist or forearm of the operator's hand that is operating the manual tool. The operator can manipulate one or more hyperdexterous surgical tools in a frame of reference that is independent of the frame of reference of the one or more manual tools.
• In accordance with another aspect, the hyperdexterous surgical system facilitates an understanding of the frames of references. The hyperdexterous surgical system can include a visualization system that aggregates information from one or more sources and provides one or more images to the surgeon. The information may be positional information of the surgeon, the patient, the hyperdexterous surgical arm, the hyperdexterous surgical tool, and/or the manual tool. The information may be positional information of control points. The image can be manipulated to reflect the point of view of the surgeon. The image can be updated to reflect the point of view of the surgeon as the surgeon moves to another location.
• The information presented by the visualization system may be live data from the cameras, data from pre-operative MRI, CT, ultrasound or other imaging modality, and models of organs and other parts of the human body. The visualization system can be arranged such that the image can be updated in real time as data from cameras is received. The visualization system can be arranged such that the image can be a blend of information from various sources. The blending and the types of information to blend may depend on the zoom factor. The image can be updated to display warnings related to the information (e.g., non-real-time, not precisely aligned models, low-resolution data).
• The visualization system can present an image on one or more displays. The image displayed on each display may be different. Each display may present different images (e.g., the location of the patient, the location of control points). The visualization system can be arranged such that the images can be adjusted automatically dependent on the type of manipulation being performed. The visualization system can be arranged such that the images may be rotated and oriented according to the surgeon's location. The visualization system can be arranged such that during the zooming operation, the images can be blended to transition smoothly between a zoomed in image and a zoomed out image. The images may be controlled by the user input devices.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1A schematically illustrates an interaction continuum.
• FIG. 1B schematically illustrates scenarios along the interaction continuum.
• FIG. 2 schematically illustrates one embodiment of a hyperdexterous surgical system.
• FIG. 3A-C schematically illustrates scenarios along the interaction continuum.
• FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a hyperdexterous surgical arm coupled to a bed.
• FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a support arm.
• FIG. 6 schematically illustrates the multiple degrees of freedom of the hyperdexterous surgical arm ofFIG. 4.
• FIG. 7 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a hyperdexterous surgical arm with rotation axes and a Remote Center.
• FIG. 8 schematically illustrates the degree of freedoms of an embodiment of the hyperdexterous surgical arm ofFIG. 7.
• FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a zero position, an initial position of a hyperdexterous surgical tool, and a target position.
• FIG. 10 schematically illustrates the inability of a hyperdexterous surgical tool to reach the target position due to the interference between the pitch segment and the other portions of the hyperdexterous surgical arm.
• FIG. 11 schematically illustrates how the shoulder roll segment may be activated to reach the same target point ofFIG. 10.
• FIG. 12 schematically illustrates the location of a dead zone for a hyperdexterous surgical arm.
• FIG. 13A schematically illustrates an arrangement of a hyperdexterous surgical arm to reach a target position.
• FIG. 13B schematically illustrates another arrangement of a hyperdexterous surgical arm to reach the target position ofFIG. 13A.
• FIG. 14 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a hyperdexterous surgical arm.
• FIG. 15 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a hyperdexterous surgical arm.
• FIG. 16 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a hyperdexterous surgical arm.
• FIG. 17 schematically illustrates an embodiment of an asymmetric rotate/translate mechanism.
• FIG. 18 schematically illustrates a top view of the asymmetric rotate/translate mechanism ofFIG. 17.
• FIG. 19 schematically illustrates a side view of the asymmetric rotate/translate mechanism ofFIG. 17 with arrows showing translation of a hyperdexterous surgical tool.
• FIG. 20 schematically illustrates the top view of the asymmetric rotate/translate mechanism ofFIG. 17 with arrows showing translation of a hyperdexterous surgical tool.
• FIG. 21 schematically illustrates the side view of the asymmetric rotate/translate mechanism ofFIG. 17 with arrows showing rotation of a hyperdexterous surgical tool.
• FIG. 22 schematically illustrates the top view of the asymmetric rotate/translate mechanism ofFIG. 17 with arrows showing rotation of a hyperdexterous surgical tool.
• FIG. 23 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a symmetric rotate/translate mechanism.
• FIG. 24 schematically illustrates a side view of the symmetric rotate/translate mechanism ofFIG. 23 showing the linear drive belts and the rollers ofFIG. 23.
• FIG. 25 schematically illustrates a side view of the symmetric rotate/translate mechanism ofFIG. 23 with arrows showing translation of a hyperdexterous surgical tool.
• FIG. 26 schematically illustrates the side view showing the linear drive belts and the rollers of the symmetric rotate/translate mechanism ofFIG. 23 with arrows showing translation of a hyperdexterous surgical tool.
• FIG. 27 schematically illustrates the side view of the symmetric rotate/translate mechanism ofFIG. 23 with arrows showing rotation of a hyperdexterous surgical tool.
• FIG. 28 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a rotate/translate mechanism with a continuous belt drive mechanism.
• FIG. 29 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a width adjuster mechanism.
• FIG. 30 schematically illustrates the side view of the width adjuster mechanism ofFIG. 29 in a new position.
• FIG. 31 schematically illustrates the top view of the new position of the rollers ofFIG. 30.
• FIG. 32A is an embodiment of an input device.
• FIG. 32B is an embodiment of an input device.
• FIGS. 33A-33B schematically illustrate a virtual grip.
• FIG. 34 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a control system of a hyperdexterous surgical system.
• FIG. 35 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a control system.
• FIG. 36 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a screenshot of a display.
• FIG. 37 schematically illustrates a screenshot of a display.
• FIGS. 38A-38B schematically illustrate a method of holding the tissue in constant tension.
• FIG. 39 schematically illustrates a method of using the hyperdexterous surgical tools and a manual tool at the same time.
• FIG. 40 schematically illustrates a screenshot of a display.
• FIG. 41A schematically illustrates two frames of reference that are oriented the same way.
• FIG. 41B schematically illustrates the motion as perceived by the observers placed at the locations specified inFIG. 41A.
• FIG. 41C schematically illustrates two frames of reference that are not oriented the same way.
• FIG. 41D schematically illustrates the motion as perceived by the observers placed at the locations specified inFIG. 41C.
• FIG. 42A schematically illustrates an operator controlling a hyperdexterous surgical tool and a manual tool.
• FIG. 42B schematically illustrates a screen shot of a display.
• FIG. 42C schematically illustrates an operator controlling hyperdexterous surgical tools.
• FIG. 43 schematically illustrates a screen shot of a display.
• FIGS. 44A-44C schematically illustrate different images presented on a display.
• FIG. 45 schematically illustrates a screen shot of a display.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• The term “hyperdexterous” is a combination of the ordinary meaning of “hyper” and “dexterous”; hyper meaning over or above, and dexterous meaning skillful or adroit in the use of the hands or body. A hyperdexterous surgical system as used herein enables interactions between a surgeon and the patient along an interaction continuum, as further described below, and provides increased versatility with respect to the surgical procedures that can be performed. The hyperdexterous surgical system enhances the ability of the surgeon to interact with a patient and includes several features which combine to produce a more natural, more interactive, and more versatile surgical system. The versatility of the hyperdexterous surgical system is illustrated by various aspects of the system, such as for example its modularity, which allows the use of one or more hyperdexterous surgical arms and to move the hyperdexterous surgical arm out of the way to utilize only manual surgical tools, its enabling of the surgeon to be mobile in the surgical arena during a surgical procedure, and its enabling of the surgeon to simultaneously operate a hyperdexterous surgical tool and a manual tool while being able to maneuver between multiple bedside locations of the patient to an optimal position for a particular surgical task. With this feature, and with other features to be described below, a hyperdexterous surgical system has more versatility than on-market purely “robotic” surgical systems.
• The nature of the hyperdexterous surgical system is illustrated, among other ways, by providing the surgeon with a variety of information (e.g., via displays) that allow the surgeon to readily understand the positioning of the hyperdexterous surgical tools relative to the patient so as to naturally understand how the tools will move when actuated. The interactive nature of the hyperdexterous surgical system is illustrated, among other things, by the ability of the surgeon to selectively control a plurality of hyperdexterous surgical tools with user input devices, as well as the ability to move between different frames of reference during a surgical procedure (e.g., between an immersive frame of reference inside the patient's body and a frame of reference outside the patient's body), allowing the surgeon to reposition himself or herself during a procedure, all the while remaining aware of the position and orientation of the tools relative to the surgeon.
Introduction
• The hyperdexterous surgical system described herein provides a fundamentally different conceptual framework from existing on-market robotic surgical systems in that, among other things, it enables a surgeon to simultaneously use manual and hyperdexterous surgical tools while at the patient's bedside. This ability to be at the patient's bedside, i.e., beside the operating table, provides several advantages: from improved communication with the surgical team; to direct monitoring of the patient; to facilitating tool exchanges (e.g., between manual and hyperdexterous surgical tools). Moreover, the hyperdexterous surgical system, as discussed below, includes several subsystems that together provide a flexible, more natural, and more interactive system that advantageously allows surgeons to perform surgical procedures seamlessly along an interaction continuum between using only hyperdexterous surgical tools, simultaneously using a combination of manual and hyperdexterous surgical tools, and using only manual tools as desired by the surgeon or required by the surgical task.
• One advantageous aspect of the hyperdexterous surgical system is the size of the hyperdexterous surgical arm, which is smaller and more compact than those of on-market systems, and which allows increased flexibility in how the arm is mounted relative to the patient—whether on a cart, or dolly, or wall or ceiling of the operating room, or directly to the patient's bed. The smaller size of the hyperdexterous surgical arm also allows for the hyperdexterous surgical system to be modular, where the number of hyperdexterous surgical arms used can vary as desired by the surgeon depending on the surgical need. The small size of the hyperdexterous surgical arms additionally provide for increased free space above the patient, which facilitates the surgeon's ability to work from a bedside location. Indeed, as noted above, one inventive aspect of the hyperdexterous surgical system is that it allows the surgeon to operate along an interaction continuum, and in one scenario the surgeon can move the hyperdexterous surgical arms out of the way and use only manual tools. This ability to maximize the free space (e.g., move the hyperdexterous surgical arms out of the way, small size of the arm), is enhanced by advantageously providing a hyperdexterous surgical arm with three degrees of freedom including a redundant roll, as discussed in more detail below. Additionally, the redundant roll of the hyperdexterous surgical arm is advantageously positioned so as to ensure that a dead zone for the hyperdexterous surgical tool is located outside the body of the patient, thereby allowing for increased access of the hyperdexterous surgical tool within the workspace in the body.
• Further, the rotation and translation mechanism for the hyperdexterous surgical tool advantageously facilitates the small size of the hyperdexterous surgical arm, as discussed below. Indeed, the rotate/translate system is smaller in diameter, lighter and more compact than mechanisms that impart rotation and translation for on-market systems, which allows the hyperdexterous surgical arm that supports the rotate/translate mechanism to be smaller.
• Another advantageous and interrelated aspect of the hyperdexterous surgical system is the ability it provides to the surgeon to move around freely and position him or herself in an optimal position near the patient. This ability is provided by the hyperdexterous surgical system in several ways, including allowing the surgeon to control the hyperdexterous surgical arm with one or more handheld portable input devices that communicate the movements of the surgeon's hands to a control system that controls the operation of the hyperdexterous surgical arm and hyperdexterous surgical tool. In one embodiment, the handheld portable input devices are wireless. The hyperdexterous surgical system advantageously provides for tracking of the handheld portable input devices, as well as features (e.g., a clutch) to prevent unintended motion of the hyperdexterous surgical arms or hyperdexterous surgical tools due to movements of the surgeon.
• Still another advantageous and interrelated part of the hyperdexterous surgical system is the control system, which communicates the surgeon's commands (e.g., via the user input devices) to the hyperdexterous surgical tools and hyperdexterous surgical arms and facilitates how the surgeon interacts with the hyperdexterous surgical tools and hyperdexterous surgical arms. Another advantageous and interrelated part of the system is the visualization system, which aids the surgeon in manipulating the hyperdexterous surgical tools within the patient's body from various frames of reference (e.g., immersive, bird's eye view outside the patient's body). The control system and visualization system may work together to enhance the surgeon's ability in performing a surgical procedure by providing a variety of information (e.g., visual cues) that allows the surgeon to naturally recognize the positioning of the hyperdexterous surgical tools and manual tools.
• Each of the components or subsystems of the hyperdexterous surgical system have advantages over corresponding components in on-market systems. Additionally, taken together the components and subsystems provide a hyperdexterous surgical system that provides a completely different paradigm for surgical procedures that enhances the ability of the surgeon to interact with a patient in a more natural, more interactive, and more flexible manner. The hyperdexterous surgical system will now be described in more detail.
• FIG. 1A shows the interaction continuum of the hyperdexterous surgical system. The right end of the continuum illustrates physical interactions between the body of the surgeon and the body of the patient. The far right end of the continuum includes the surgeon moving tissue by hand. The use of a manual tool such as a scalpel is less physically interactive than moving tissue by hand. The use of a laparoscopic tool such as a scalpel is less physically interactive than moving tissue by hand. The left end of the continuum illustrates the use of a hyperdexterous surgical arm to control end effectors. Along the continuum, the operator can use manual tools and/or hyperdexterous tools in various combinations. The hyperdexterous surgical system enables anoperator1, such as a surgeon, to work anywhere along the continuum.
• At the right end of the continuum, the surgeon is in close proximity to the patient in order to physically manipulate the tissue. The surgeon is able to directly touch and feel tissue at the surgical site. At the left end of the continuum, the surgeon interacts with the patient remotely by manipulating user input devices that serve as proxies for the real tools. The surgeon manipulates end-effectors such as graspers by manipulating user input devices. Many scenarios occur along the interaction continuum.
• Embodiments herein describe the use of a hyperdexterous surgical system that can be used by an operator. The operator may be a surgeon, a medical assistant, staff, medical examiners, or any other person operating the hyperdexterous surgical system. An operator is not limited to a medical professional qualified to practice surgery, but includes any operator trained to operate the hyperdexterous surgical system.
• FIG. 1B replicates the interactive continuum ofFIG. 1A in more detail.FIG. 1B shows various methods of using a hyperdexterous surgical system, such as the hyperdexteroussurgical system100 shown inFIG. 2. On the right side ofFIG. 1B, anoperator1 may perform a surgical step withmanual tools350. In this scenario, a hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 of the hyperdexteroussurgical system100 may be moved away from the work space. Theoperator1 may refer to adisplay702 which provides images of the surgery. On the left side ofFIG. 1B, theoperator1 interacts with aninput device500 to control the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200. Theoperator1 may refer to adisplay600 which provides images of the surgery.
• In the middle of this continuum, different scenarios may occur. One scenario is illustrated asScenario1 inFIG. 1B. In this scenario, theoperator1 may simultaneously use one or more hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 and one or more manual tools350 (e.g., at the same time, in the same workspace). The surgeon can manipulate one or more of the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 with one or more of theinput devices500. Theoperator1 may refer to adisplay702 which provides images of the surgery. Another scenario is illustrated asScenario2 inFIG. 1B. In this scenario, theoperator1 may manipulate the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 by hand. This scenario may occur for example when executing large scale motions of the hyperdexteroussurgical arms200. ThoughFIG. 1B shows only one hyperdexteroussurgical arm200, the hyperdexteroussurgical system100 can have a plurality of hyperdexteroussurgical arms200, as shown inFIG. 2.
• In another scenarios, not shown, theoperator1 can insert themanual tool350 into a trocar302 (shown inFIG. 2) supported by the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200. Thetrocar302, with themanual tool350 inserted therein, may be manipulated by hand. The third scenario may be useful when it may be difficult to maneuver themanual tool350 only with the hands. Some examples where such situations may be encountered is when the patient is obese or if the angle of entry into the patient is awkward. In such situations the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 holding thetrocar302 may act as a power assist to position themanual tool350. In other words, the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 holding thetrocar302 may counter the forces that are applied on themanual tool350 by the patient's body, and can enhance maneuverability of themanual tool350. The versatility of the hyperdexteroussurgical system100 advantageously allows all such combinations.
• FIGS. 3A-3C shows scenarios wherein theoperator1 selects the type of tools to be used in a surgical procedure.FIG. 3B is similar toScenario1 andFIG. 3C is similar to the left side of the continuum shown inFIG. 1B. The figures show three dimensional depiction of use the hyperdexteroussurgical system100 during a surgical procedure on apatient2.
• InFIG. 3A, the hyperdexteroussurgical system100 includes two hyperdexteroussurgical arms200, each coupled to a hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. Theoperator1 controls a hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 with aninput device500 held in his right hand. Theoperator1 controls another hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 with aninput device500 held in his left hand. Theinput devices500 move the hyperdexteroussurgical arms200 and/or the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 in response to the operator's1 movement. The hyperdexteroussurgical system100 includes adisplay600. Thedisplay600 may allow theoperator1 to establish constraints to be applied to the hyperdexteroussurgical system100. For example, thedisplay600 may allow theoperator1 to establish associations (e.g., a pairing) between theinput devices500 and the controlled objects (e.g., the hyperdexteroussurgical arms200 and/or the hyperdexterous surgical tools300). Thedisplay600 may provide images of the surgery.
• InFIG. 3B, the hyperdexteroussurgical system100 includes a hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 coupled to a hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. Theoperator1 controls the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 with aninput device500 held in his right hand. Theinput device500 moves the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 and/or the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 in response to the operator's1 movement. Theoperator1 controls amanual tool350 with his left hand. As illustrated inFIG. 3B and discussed herein, the hyperdexteroussurgical system100 advantageously enables the operator1 (e.g., surgeon) to simultaneously control a hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 and amanual tool350.
• InFIG. 3C, the hyperdexteroussurgical system100 includes two hyperdexteroussurgical arms200, each coupled to a hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. Theoperator1 can control the hyperdexteroussurgical arms200 with one ormore input devices500. Theinput devices500 can be the input devices shown inFIG. 3A. Theinput devices500 can be controllers as shown inFIG. 3C. The one ormore input devices500 can be mounted or otherwise fixed near thedisplay600. In another embodiment, the one ormore input devices500 can be handheld portable input devices, such as those shown inFIG. 3A, and theoperator1 can support his or her arms on a support bar or rest bar of the stand while standing or sitting at the stand and operating the handheld portable input devices. Like theinput devices500 shown inFIG. 3A, the one ormore input devices500 shown inFIG. 3C moves the hyperdexteroussurgical arms200 and/or the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 in response to the operator's1 movement.
System Overview
• The hyperdexteroussurgical system100 can include many components that can work together to achieve benefits described herein, such as enhancing the ability of the surgeon to interact with the patient by providing a more natural, more interactive, and more versatile surgical system. The hyperdexteroussurgical system100 can include one or more hyperdexteroussurgical arms200, and each hyperdexteroussurgical arms200 can manipulate a hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. The hyperdexteroussurgical system100 includes a control system and displays600,702 which provide the operator with visual cues that aid the surgeon in controlling the operation of the one or more hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 and themanual tools350. The operator, such as a surgeon can optionally manipulate the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 and themanual tools350 simultaneously at various locations in the operating arena.
• FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of a hyperdexteroussurgical system100. The hyperdexteroussurgical system100 includes one or more hyperdexteroussurgical arms200. Each hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 can support a hyperdexterous surgical tool300 (e.g., via a trocar302). The hyperdexteroussurgical system100 can include one or moremanual tools350. Themanual tool350 can be used simultaneously with the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 by the operator (e.g., surgeon). The hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 can be controlled by aninput device500. Theinput device500 can take many forms including a pincher502 (seeFIG. 32A) and acontroller514.
• The hyperdexteroussurgical system100 can include a control system to translate movements from theinput devices500 to movements of the hyperdexteroussurgical arms200 and hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. Theoperator1 can select whichinput device500 controls which hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 or hyperdexteroussurgical arms200. Thecontrol system400 can include acomputer402, one ormore cables406 and/or apower supply404.
• The hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 can be coupled with a fixture (e.g., operating table, hospital bed, examination table, wall, floor, ceiling, table, cart, dolly). In one embodiment, where the fixture is a cart or dolly, the fixture can be anchored (e.g., temporarily) to the floor. The hyperdexteroussurgical system100 may include mechanisms that couple or hold the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 to the fixture. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2, the fixture is a bed or operating table102.
• The hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 and the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 can be controlled by acontrol system400, a schematic of which is shown inFIGS. 34-35. The algorithms that guide the control system and/or any computations performed by the control system may be stored by thecomputer402. Thecontrol system400 can translate user commands to motion of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 and/or motions of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. Thecomputer402 may be connected to thepower supply404. Thecomputer402 may be connected to a clutch112 which may take the form of a foot pedal. Thecomputer402 may includecables406 that connect thecomputer402 to other components.
• The hyperdexteroussurgical system100 can include one ormore input devices500. Theinput device500 can communicate with thecontrol system400, either through a wired or wireless connection. As used in embodiments herein, the term “wireless” encompasses all forms of wireless communication, including, but not limited to, infrared (IR), radiofrequency (RF), microwave, and ultrasonic. Theinput device500 can send control signals to the appropriate motors within the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 and the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 via the control system400 (e.g., by communicating a signal from a transmitter in theinput device500 to a receiver of the control system400). Theinput devices500 can be handheld and/or portable devices that advantageously allow theoperator1, such as a surgeon, to move about the bedside of thepatient2 during a procedure. Theinput devices500 can allow theoperator1 to control the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 and/or the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 from one or more locations (e.g., a plurality of locations). Some of the locations may be at the bedside of apatient2. The hyperdexteroussurgical system100 can include the clutch112. The clutch112 can be used to engage or disengage one or more hyperdexteroussurgical tools300. The clutch112 can be a foot pedal, as shown inFIG. 2.
• With continued reference toFIG. 2, the hyperdexteroussurgical system100 can include auser interface sub-system605. Theuser interface sub-system605 can include an input device (e.g., controller514). Theuser interface sub-system605 can include aplatform602 which can include features such as ahorizontal resting bar603. Theuser interface sub-system605 can include adisplay600. Thedisplay600 can include atouch screen604. Thedisplay600 can be interactive and receive an input from theoperator1. Thedisplay600 can be used to control thecontrol system400. Thedisplay600 can be located remotely from the patient. In some embodiments, thedisplay600 is mounted onto theplatform602, as shown inFIG. 2. In some embodiments, thedisplay600 can be affixed to the body of theoperator1, such as the surgeon.
• In some embodiments, theuser interface sub-system605 can include an input device500 (e.g., a wired controller). Theinput device500 may be acontroller514 mounted to theplatform602. Theuser interface sub-system605 allows anoperator1, such as a surgeon, to control theinput device500 in close proximity to thedisplay600, as shown inFIG. 2.
• Thedisplay600 allows theoperator1 to perform many functions including pairing a hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 with aninput device500 so that theoperator1 can operate the paired hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 with theinput device500. Thedisplay600 can allow theoperator1 to control one or more hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 with the one ormore input devices500. Thedisplay600 also allows theoperator1, such as a surgeon, to pair a hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 with aninput device500 so that theoperator1 can operate the paired hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 with theinput device500. Thedisplay600 can allow theoperator1 to control one or more hyperdexteroussurgical arms200. Theuser interface600 can show or illustrate a map of the one ormore input devices500 and the one or more controlled objects, such as the one or more hyperdexteroussurgical arms200 or hyperdexteroussurgical tools300.
• With continued reference toFIG. 2, avisualization system700 can include one ormore displays702. Thedisplay702 can display information about the one or more hyperdexteroussurgical arms200, the one or more hyperdexteroussurgical tools300, the patient, or any other information that may be relevant to the surgeon or surgical team. Thedisplay702 can show images as seen by a camera304 (shown schematically inFIG. 35) or other visualization devices, such as images of the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 that are held by the hyperdexteroussurgical arms200, or images of amanual tool350 held by the operator (e.g., surgeon). Thecamera304 can be controlled by thecontrol system400. Thecamera304 can be considered a hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 and moved by a hyperdexterousrobotic arm200. In one embodiment, thecamera304 can be controlled by theinput device500 via thecontrol system400, which enables theoperator1, such as the surgeon, to position thecamera304 as needed. The hyperdexteroussurgical system100 can includemultiple displays702 positioned at various locations throughout the operating arena. Additionally, thedisplays600,702 can show the same information or different information.
• As shown inFIG. 2, the hyperdexteroussurgical system100 can be used with one or more manual tools350 (e.g., a plurality of manual tools350). Onemanual tool350 is shown inFIG. 2. Themanual tool350 can be utilized in the same work space as the one or more hyperdexteroussurgical tools300. One or moremanual tools350 can be used because the hyperdexteroussurgical system100 advantageously allows theoperator1 to stand right by thepatient2, as discussed previously. One or moremanual tools350 can be used because the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 is compact, thereby freeing up the space around thepatient2. The redundant roll mechanism and the placement of the redundant roll mechanism, described herein, also maximizes the free space around thepatient2. Therefore, theoperator1 can simultaneously manipulate hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 andmanual tools350 without colliding into other components of the hyperdexteroussurgical system100. Theoperator1, not shown inFIG. 2, may stand by the bedside, and have the ability to choose to control one or more hyperdexterous surgical tools300 (e.g., via the input devices500), one or moremanual tools350, or any combination of hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 andmanual tools350.
• As shown inFIG. 2, the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 can be coupled to a hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. Accordingly, thesystem100 can have one or more (e.g. a plurality) of hyperdexteroussurgical arms200 and one or more (e.g. a plurality) of hyperdexteroussurgical tools300. In some embodiments, the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 is inserted into atrocar302. Thetrocar302 can be coupled to the hyperdexterous surgical arm200 (e.g., affixed, integrally formed with, held by, etc.). The hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 can support and manipulate the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 through thetrocar302. In some embodiments, the one or more hyperdexteroussurgical arms200 can insert one or more hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 through an incision in apatient2, as shown inFIGS. 3A-C. The hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 and the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 can have one or more motors (e.g., electrical motors) at various locations, as discussed further below. The motors facilitate the placement of the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 appropriately in the operating work space, inside thepatient2. The hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 and the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 can be powered by thepower supply404. In some embodiments, the one or more hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 can be disposable. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 can be capable of being sterilized (e.g., reusable).
Mounting the Hyperdexterous Surgical Arm
• The hyperdexteroussurgical system100 can provide a mounting to support the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200. The mounting enables the positioning of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 and/or the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 relative to the patient. The hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 can be mounted to a number of fixtures, which may be movable or fixed. The flexibility in mounting the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 and/or the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 provides versatility in designing the operating arena and the free space outside the patient.
• FIGS. 2 and 4 show embodiments of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 mounted to a fixture. The various components allow the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 to be positioned relative to thepatient2. The various components also allow the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 to avoid collisions with other hyperdexteroussurgical arms200. The hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 can be positioned to facilitate access to thepatient2. The hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 can be positioned to permit theoperator1 to use hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 andmanual tools350 simultaneously. The flexibility of the hyperdexteroussurgical system100 including thesupport arm106, theelevator120, and thecarriage130 allows the positioning of a Remote Center250 (seeFIG. 7) for the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200. Once theRemote Center250 is established, the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 can be manipulated while maintaining theRemote Center250.
• As shown inFIG. 2, the hyperdexteroussurgical system100 can include a plurality of mountingpoles104. The hyperdexterous surgical system can include any number of mounting poles104 (e.g., one, three, four, etc.), but two are shown inFIG. 2 for illustrative purposes. Each mountingpole104 can support a hyperdexteroussurgical arm200.FIG. 2 shows each mountingpole104 only holding one hyperdexteroussurgical arm200, but each mountingpole104 can optionally support any number of hyperdexterous surgical arms200 (e.g., one, two, three, four, etc.). The hyperdexteroussurgical system100 is advantageously modular in nature. This modularity allows the users, such as a surgical team, to configure the hyperdexteroussurgical system100 most efficiently for the type of procedure being performed. Such modularity also allows the team to add or remove mountingpoles104 and/or hyperdexteroussurgical arms200 during a surgery. The modularity permits the hyperdexteroussurgical system100 to be configured in various ways.
• The mountingpole104 may be supported by a movable fixture (e.g., a dolly, a hand-truck or a small cart). The mountingpole104, and all associated hyperdexteroussurgical arms200 and supportarms106, may be mounted to the moveable fixture at a location remote from the operating arena. The movable fixture may be transported into the operating arena before or during the surgery. If additional hyperdexteroussurgical arms200 are needed during surgery, the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 can be mounted quickly and easily onto the fixture. In some embodiments, if additional hyperdexteroussurgical arms200 are needed during surgery, additional hyperdexteroussurgical arms200 mounted on movable fixtures may be transported into the operating arena. The moveable fixture and/or the mounting pole can be anchored to another fixture (e.g., the floor) to enhance stability. The mountingpole104 may be supported by an immobile fixture (e.g., bed, floor, wall, or ceiling).
• The mountingpole104 can be attached to aclamp108, as shown inFIG. 2. Theclamp108 can be connected to the fixture. In the illustrated embodiment, the fixture is abed102, though as discussed above, other suitable fixtures can be used. In some embodiments, theclamp108 can be coupled to one ormore rails110 of thebed102. Other attaching mechanisms are possible. The mountingpole104 may be placed substantially vertically (e.g., at ninety degrees) relative to the fixture (e.g., bed102). The mountingpole104 may be placed at other angles, such as 15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, relative to the fixture (e.g., bed102). The mountingpole104 can be placed at other angles based on the orientation of the patient.
• The hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 can be directly or indirectly attached to the fixture (e.g., bed102). In one embodiment, the mounting pole and/or thesupport arm106 is excluded and the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 can be coupled directly to themounting pole104 or to a portion of the fixture (e.g., bed102). In some embodiments, the hyperdexteroussurgical system100 can be detached from the fixture (e.g.,bed102 and/or rail110).
• Referring toFIG. 4, the mountingpole104 can be coupled to components that permit horizontal movement (e.g., parallel to the bed102) or vertical movement (e.g., perpendicular to the bed102). Theelevator120 allows the placement of thesupport arm106 and/or the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 along the length of themounting pole104. One ormore elevators120 may be coupled to themounting pole104, as shown. Eachelevator120 may be connected to anadditional support arm106 and/or an additional hyperdexteroussurgical arm200. Accordingly, the mountingpole104 can optionally supportmultiple support arms106, eachsupport arm106 coupled to a hyperdexteroussurgical arm200. Theelevators120 may provide alternative vertical locations at which the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 may be coupled to themounting pole104.
• With continued reference to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 4, the mountingpole104 can be coupled to acarriage130. Thecarriage130 may be coupled to anadaptor132. Thecarriage130 and theadaptor132 may form a slide assembly that allows thecarriage130 to slide linearly along theadaptor132. Theadaptor132 can be coupled to the fixture (e.g.,bed102 and/or the rail110). Thecarriage130 may be directly coupled to the fixture (e.g.,bed102 and/or rail110) without theadaptor132. Thecarriage130 and theadaptor132 permit the movement of themounting pole104, thesupport arm106, and the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 in the generally horizontal direction. In some embodiments, the mountingpole104 directly couples to the fixture (e.g.,bed102 and/or the rails110) without thecarriage130 and/or theadaptor132. The mountingpole104 can be arranged such that themounting pole104 slides linearly along the fixture (e.g.,bed102 and/or the rails110).
• Referring toFIG. 4, the mountingpole104 can be coupled to components that permit movement in other directions. For example, the mounting pole can be coupled to a slide (not shown) that moves orthogonal to the horizontal and vertical direction (e.g., extends outward from the fixture). The slide can be a drawer mounted to the fixture. For example, in embodiments where the fixture is thebed102 the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 can be moved laterally away from a side of the bed102 (e.g., via a slidable drawer).
• The hyperdexteroussurgical system100 can include mechanisms that couple or hold the hyperdexteroussurgical arms200 upright.FIGS. 2 and 4 shows the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 optionally coupled to asupport arm106. Thesupport arm106 can be a passive arm, lacking motors or other electrical features. As shown inFIG. 5, thesupport arm106 has afirst end114 and asecond end116. Thefirst end114 can include abracket118, such as a u-shaped bracket, that can be coupled to the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200. Other connections known in the art can also be utilized. Thebracket118 can couple to the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 at the base of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200, for example near a shoulder roll mechanism202 (seeFIG. 7), described further below. Thesecond end116 can be coupled to theelevator120. Thesecond end116 can rotate about a center ofrotation122.
• Thesupport arm106 may include one or more centers of rotation that allow thesupport arm106 to rotate. Thesupport arm106 shown inFIG. 5 has three centers ofrotation122. The centers ofrotation122 rotate about an axis in the direction of the arrows, as shown inFIG. 5. Thesupport arm106 may include one or more tilt axes124 which allow a portion of thesupport arm106 to tilt. As shown inFIG. 5, thesupport arm106 has onetilt axis124 that allows a hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 coupled to thesupport arm106 to tilt. The centers ofrotation122 and/or thetilt axis124 allow the one ormore links126 of thesupport arm106 and thebracket118 to be rotated and positioned. The centers ofrotation122 may rotate thelinks126 of thesupport arm106 in the same plane, or in different planes, or in some combination of planes.
• Thesupport arm106 can be passive. Theoperator1 can move thesupport arm106 by hand to position thesupport arm106. Theoperator1 can move thesupport arm106 by hand to establish theRemote Center250, described herein. In some embodiments, thesupport arm106 can be active. In such an embodiment, thesupport arm106 can include one or more motors to move joints of thesupport arm106. Theoperator1 can move thesupport arm106 via the motors to establish theRemote Center250.
• The hyperdexteroussurgical system100 provides flexibility in positioning the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 and/or the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. The flexibility is advantageously enhanced by the centers ofrotation122 and/ortilt axes124 of thesupport arm106, shown inFIG. 5. The flexibility can be enhanced by the ability to move (e.g., vertically) theelevator120 along the mountingpole104. The flexibility can be enhanced by the ability to move (e.g., horizontally) thecarriage130 along theadaptor132.
• Referring now toFIG. 6, thesupport arm106, theelevator120, and thecarriage130 can facilitate the positioning of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200.Arrow134,Arrow136,Arrow138 andArrow140 demonstrate the centers of rotations and tilt axes of thesupport arm106.Arrow142 demonstrates the generally vertical direction theelevator120 may be positioned along the mountingpole104.Arrow144 demonstrates the generally horizontal direction thecarriage130 may move along theadaptor132 in relation to the fixture (e.g.,bed102 and/or rails110). In one embodiment, the mountingpole104 may be vertical, and theadaptor132 may be horizontal; henceArrow142 may be vertical andArrow144 may be horizontal. All of the arrows or degrees of freedom can be configured differently than shown inFIG. 6 (e.g. thesupport arm106 can have more or fewer centers of rotations or tilt axes).
• The hyperdexteroussurgical system100 can enable the one or more hyperdexteroussurgical arms200 to be angled (e.g., tilt) to follow an orientation of a patient during the course of the surgery. Typically the patient is placed on a horizontal level surface (e.g., bed). In some surgeries, it may be advantageous to angle (e.g. tilt) the body of the patient relative to the horizontal surface (e.g., lowering the head of the patient to shift internal organs toward the head of the patient away from a surgical site for improved access to the surgical site) based on the surgery to be performed. The hyperdexteroussurgical system100 enables the angling (e.g., tilting from horizontal) of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 so that it follows the orientation of the patient2 (e.g., the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 is mounted to follow the orientation of the patient2). Thesupport arm106, theelevator120, thecarriage130 and the slide (not shown) can facilitate the tilting of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200.
• The position of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 in the work space may be tracked. In some embodiments, the position is tracked by coupling absolute encoders (not shown) at each joint of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200. In some embodiments, a position sensor (such as an optical tracker) is mounted at the base of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200. The position sensor can provide the position of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 relative to a ground reference point (not shown). The position sensor and/or the encoders can be utilized to track the position of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200. Further, the position sensor and/or the encoders can be utilized to track the position of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. One skilled in the art may utilize others suitable sensors, mechanism or methods of tracking components of the hyperdexteroussurgical system100. The hyperdexteroussurgical system100 can have a global tracker that tracks the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200, hyperdexteroussurgical tool300, and additional components of the hyperdexterous surgical system100 (e.g., theoperator1, the input devices500).
The Hyperdexterous Surgical Arm
• The hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 used with the hyperdexteroussurgical system100 can have a redundant degree of freedom. The redundant degree of freedom can advantageously allow the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 to be placed in a variety of desired poses. Additionally, the redundant degree of freedom can advantageously enable more free space around the patient. The redundant degree of freedom can enable the use of more hyperdexterous surgical arms200 (e.g., a plurality of hyperdexterous surgical arms200). The redundant degree of freedom can enable the placement of more hyperdexteroussurgical arms200 within the free space above thepatient2. The redundant degree of freedom can also enable a larger workspace inside the patient. The redundant degree of freedom can reduce self-collisions (between components of a single hyperdexterous surgical arm200) and other collisions (between hyperdexteroussurgical arms200, between hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 and the patient2).
• Redundancy is defined as follows: “When a manipulator can reach a specified position with more than one configuration of the linkages, the manipulator is said to be redundant.” P. J. KcKerrow, Introduction to Robotics (Addison-Wesley Publishing Co, Sydney, 1991).
• FIG. 7 shows one embodiment of a hyperdexteroussurgical arm200. The hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 can be used with the hyperdexteroussurgical system100 described herein. The hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 can have three degrees of freedom.
• The redundant degree of freedom, in relation to on-market surgical systems, can be provided by theshoulder roll mechanism202. Theshoulder roll mechanism202 can be located near a bottom of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200. The redundant degree of freedom provides additional flexibility and advantages. An advantage provided by the redundant degree of freedom is that the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 can access a larger work space and can access additional anatomical targets that on-market robotic arms with two degrees of freedom cannot reach. The redundant degree of freedom allows the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 to maintain a tip position of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 andRemote Center250 while reconfiguring the components of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 external to the body. These different poses enable the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 to avoid collisions with thepatient2, other tools or other objects in the surgical arena.
• In some embodiments, the redundant degree of freedom, in relation to on-market surgical systems, is provided by a redundant pitch mechanism (not shown). The redundant pitch mechanism can be located anywhere on the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200. The redundant pitch mechanism can be located near a bottom of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200. The redundant pitch mechanism can have a pitch axis that intersects the Remote Center, as described herein. The redundant degree of freedom provided by a redundant pitch mechanism can have the same advantages of the redundant degree of freedom provided by theredundant roll mechanism202 described herein. The hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 and the rotate/translatemechanism208 can have four degrees of freedom (e.g., rotate, translate, pitch, yaw). The rotate/translatemechanism208 can rotate and translate thetool300. The hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 can pitch and roll. Therefore, the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 and the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 can have seven degrees of freedom in total. The hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 and the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 can have more than seven degrees of freedom (e.g., eight degrees of freedom, nine degrees of freedom, etc.). The hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 and the hyperdexterous surgical tool can have additional degrees of freedom (e.g., provided by end effectors, such as graspers, flexible elbows). Typically, on-market surgical robotic systems have a robotic arm with two degrees of freedom (pitch and roll) and the tool has four degrees of freedom (rotate, translate, pitch, yaw), such that on-market robotic surgical systems typically have a total of six degrees of freedom.
• With continued reference toFIG. 7, theshoulder roll mechanism202 provides one degree of freedom. Themain roll mechanism204 provides one degree of freedom. Thepitch mechanism206 provides one degree of freedom. The rotate/translatemechanism208 and hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 provide four degrees of freedom (rotate, translate, pitch, yaw). There are four mechanisms which contribute to the dexterity of the hyperdexterous surgical arm: (1) theshoulder roll mechanism202; (2) themain roll mechanism204; (3) thepitch mechanism206; and (4) the rotate translatemechanism208. Incorporating a second roll mechanism, theshoulder roll mechanism202, provides a redundant degree of freedom (e.g. a seventh degree of freedom) as compared to on-market surgical system.
• Theshoulder roll mechanism202 hasshoulder roll axis244. Themain roll mechanism204 hasmain roll axis240. Thepitch mechanism206 haspitch axis228. Theaxes228,240,244 of themechanisms202,204,206 intersect at a common point. InFIG. 7, this point is labeled theRemote Center250.
• Referring toFIG. 8, thepitch mechanism206 allows the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 to rotate the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 about thepitch axis228. Thepitch axis228 passes through theRemote Center250.Arrow230 illustrates the arc representing the path of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 about thepitch axis228. Thepitch mechanism206 has three centers of rotation,232,234, and236 The centers ofrotation232,234, and236 are mechanically linked so as to create motion about thepitch axis228.
• Referring still toFIG. 8, thepitch mechanism206 has three segments, thepitch segment224, thepitch segment226, and thepitch segment227. Thepitch segments224,226, and227 of thepitch mechanism206 can have many configurations, such as a 2-bar, 3-bar, or 4-bar linkage, or cable linkages. In some embodiments, bands or belts constrain the relative angles between thepitch segments224,226, and227. Thepitch segment224 and thepitch segment226 may collapse on top of each other or have a small angle between each other while rotating the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 around thepitch axis228. When the pitch segments are close to the collapsed position, themain roll mechanism204 and proximal end of thetrocar302 can be brought close together. Alternatively, thepitch segment224 andpitch segment226 can also extend out, or have a large angle between each other so that the distance between themain roll mechanism204 and the proximal end of thetrocar302 are spaced further apart.
• The rotations and motions of theroll mechanisms202,204 are shown inFIG. 8. Thearrow238 shows the rotation of themain roll mechanism204 aboutmain roll axis240. Thearrow242 shows the rotation of theshoulder roll mechanism202 about theshoulder roll axis244. In some embodiments, theshoulder roll mechanism202 can rotate at least up to +/−90° from an initial position. In other embodiments, theshoulder roll mechanism202 can rotate more than +/−90° from an initial position. Themain roll axis240 and theshoulder roll axis244 intersect at theRemote Center250 as shown inFIG. 8. Themain roll segment222 of themain roll mechanism204 and/orshoulder roll segment220 of theshoulder roll mechanism202 can have any size, shape and/or number of segments. As shown, ashoulder roll segment220 couples theshoulder roll mechanism202 to themain roll mechanism204 and amain roll segment222 couples themain roll mechanism204 to thepitch segment224.
• One embodiment of the arrangement of the various segments of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 is shown inFIG. 7. One end of thefirst segment218 can optionally be coupled to a fixture (e.g., the bed102), thesupport arm106 or other support objects within the operating arena, as discussed above. The other end of thefirst segment218 is coupled with theshoulder roll mechanism202. Theshoulder roll mechanism202 is connected to themain roll mechanism204 with one ormore segments220. One ormore segments222,224 connect themain roll mechanism204 with thepitch mechanism206. One ormore segments226,227 can connect thepitch mechanism206 with thetrocar302.
• In typical minimally invasive surgery, a small incision is made on the patient's body through which the tools are passed into the body. For example, in abdominal surgery an incision is placed on the abdominal wall. To reduce the risk of harm to the patient, it is desirable to minimize movements that involve translation along the surface of the body at the point of entry into the body as these types of movements may cause tearing of the tissues at the point of entry. Thus in minimally invasive procedures, it is desirable for the tool shaft to always pass through a constant point. The Remote Center may be located at the point of entry of the tools into the body. The hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 can be pivoted about this point by the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 without tearing the tissue at the point of entry. The mounting of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 relative to thepatient2 can establish theRemote Center250 at the incision.
• The arrangement of the axes allows themechanisms202,204,208 to achieve the desired position of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 while the location of theRemote Center250 is held constant. TheRemote Center250 may correspond with the location of an incision on a patient or the location of the entry point of a hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 into the body as noted above. TheRemote Center250 can advantageously be held constant in order to reduce the risk of harm or injury to a patient. During surgery, for example during abdominal surgery, theRemote Center250 may be placed at the abdominal wall. This location can be a gateway for tools to enter the abdominal cavity. As different positions and orientations of a hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 are desired, theshoulder roll mechanism202, themain roll mechanism204, and thepitch mechanism206 may be activated in such a manner that the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 pivots in the allowable degrees of freedom about theRemote Center250.
• The location of theRemote Center250 may be constrained by the anatomy of the patient. The flexibility of the hyperdexteroussurgical system100 advantageously allows the efficient placement of the one or more hyperdexteroussurgical arms200 and/or the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 in relation to the patient, the one ormore operators1 such as surgeons, the one or more assistants, and/or other objects or components found within the operating arena.
• FIG. 9 illustrates a hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 in an initial position, referred to herein a zeroposition246. An example of a targeted position, the targettool tip position248, is shown. In this example, the targettool tip position248 is directly in front of themain roll mechanism204 and is collinear with themain roll axis240. One way to try to reach thetarget tip position248 is to collapsepitch segment224 andpitch segment226 as shown inFIG. 10. However even after collapsing thepitch segments224,226, the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 is unable to reach the target tool tip position248 (seeFIG. 10). This may occur, for example, because the end of the range of the pitch motion is encountered.
• Theshoulder roll mechanism202 provides the redundant degree of freedom enabling the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 to reach the targettool tip position248, as shown inFIG. 11. Theshoulder roll mechanism202 is a redundant roll mechanism. Theshoulder roll mechanism202 provides the redundant degree of freedom as compared with on-market robotic systems. Viewing the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 from the targettool tip position248, theshoulder roll segment220 is partly rotated clockwise and themain roll segment222 is partly rotated counterclockwise, from the zeroposition246, shown inFIG. 9. By rotating theshoulder roll mechanism202 and themain roll mechanism204, the targettool tip position248 is now accessible. Thus it may be seen that a second roll mechanism, such as theshoulder roll mechanism202 shown inFIGS. 9-11, with an axis of rotation that intersects the axis of rotation of another roll mechanism increases the dexterity of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200. Theshoulder roll mechanism202 has an axis ofrotation244 that intersects the axis ofrotation240 of themain roll mechanism204, as shown inFIG. 8, therefore increasing the maneuverability and/or dexterity of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200.
Singularities, Dead Zones, Free Space, Backlash
• The design of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 provides significant attributes to the hyperdexteroussurgical system100. The location of theRotation Center250 relative to the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 permits dead zones to be placed away from the patient. The small size of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 enables the maximizing of free space around the patient, which facilitates the simultaneous use of manual tools and/or hyperdexterous surgical tools. The redundant degree of freedom provided by theshoulder roll mechanism202 can increase the performance of the system in such areas as lowering the effect of backlash and improving the practical bandwidth of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200.
• The hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 may advantageously avoid singularities during operation. A singularity is defined as the collinear alignment of two or more axes. This condition may result in unpredictable motion and velocities of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200. When two axes align, rotation about either axis is not unique. In other words, motion along one degree of freedom is lost.
• Referring back toFIG. 10, thepitch segment224 and thepitch segment226 are collapsed relative to each other. In such positions, thetool shaft axis252 and themain roll axis240 subtend an acute angle. If thetool shaft axis252 and themain roll axis240 were aligned, then the rotation about themain roll axis240 would be identical to the rotation about thetool shaft axis252. In such positions, movement about either axis imparts the same motion to the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. In such positions, control of theend effector306 is not optimal because one degree of freedom is lost.FIG. 11 shows that theshoulder roll mechanism202 can rotate the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 such that thetool shaft axis252 and themain roll axis240 are not aligned. The additional degree of freedom offered by theshoulder roll mechanism202 prevents the hyperdexteroussurgical system100 from losing one degree of freedom when axes align, substantially align, or are in near alignment. In this way, the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 may be designed to avoid singularities during the operation of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200.
• The hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 may advantageously minimize a dead zone. A dead zone is defined as one or more regions inaccessible by the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. Thedead zone254 can be created by interference between components of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200. For example, as shown inFIG. 12, thedead zone254 can be created because of interference between the proximal end of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 and theshoulder roll mechanism202. Thedead zone254 shown inFIG. 12 may be eliminated by making thepitch segments224,226 and/or227 with a different size, shape or number of segments (e.g., longer to fit around the proximal end of the hyperdexterous surgical tool300). However, this may increase the size and/or weight of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200. Thedead zone254 shown inFIG. 12 may be eliminated by making the proximal end of hyperdexterous surgical tool300 a different size or shape (e.g., shorter to fit inside the shoulder roll mechanism202).
• The hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 may be designed so that one or moredead zones254 occur outside the body of thepatient2, such that the dead zone does not limit the functionality of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200. The hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 is therefore able to position the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 anywhere within the workspace, inside the patient's body.
• Referring toFIG. 12, themain roll mechanism204 is rotated such that the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 now faces upwards. Theshoulder roll mechanism202 interferes or otherwise limits the movement of the proximal end of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 such as to create adead zone254. The cross hatched area illustrating thedead zone254 shows positions the distal tip of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 cannot achieve due to the obstruction of the proximal end of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 with theshoulder roll mechanism202.FIG. 12 shows the body of thepatient2. As shown, thedead zone254 is placed outside and upwards away from the body of thepatient2. The inability of the distal tip of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 to reach points within thedead zone254 shown inFIG. 12 will not impact the use of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 in surgical procedures. Thedead zone254 shown inFIG. 12 includes positions where surgery is not performed.
• As discussed above, the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 can be mounted (e.g., viasupport arm106, mountingpoles104, etc.) so that the dead zone occurs outside of the body. In some embodiments, theshoulder roll mechanism202 may be located below theRemote Center250 as shown inFIG. 7. In some embodiments, theshoulder roll mechanism202 is closer to the fixture (e.g., hospital bed) to which the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 is mounted as shown inFIG. 12. By orienting theshoulder roll mechanism202 as low as possible relative to theRemote Center250, thedead zones254 are advantageously placed up and away from the body of thepatient2. Referring back toFIG. 6, theshoulder roll mechanism202 is closer to thebed102 or horizontal surface upon which thepatient2 is placed. The ability to position the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 by positioning thesupport arm106, the mountingpole104, theelevator120, thecarriage130 and/or theadaptor132 advantageously provides additional flexibility in the placement of thedead zone254. In some embodiments, theshoulder roll mechanism202 may be located above the Remote Center250 (e.g., due to mounting, positioning of patient on their side).
• In some embodiments, the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 is small in size. The hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 can in some embodiments weigh less than 10 pounds, less than 8 pounds, less than 6 pounds, less than 4 pounds, less than 3 pounds. The hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 can be less than 24 inches long, less than less than 22 inches long, less than 20 inches long, less than 16 inches long, less than 14 inches long, less than 12 inches long. In one embodiment, the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 can be compact when in a collapsed configuration.
• The small size of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 enables more free space around thepatient2. The free space enables the surgeon to manipulate amanual tool350 from various positions. The free space enables the surgeon to reposition himself at multiple locations during surgery. The free space enables the operator to usemanual tools350 concurrently with use of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200. The free space permits easier physical access to the patient when necessary.
• Advantageously, theoperator1 is able to access the patient to use amanual tool350 while simultaneously using the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 to control the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. Theoperator1 may prefer to have free space to manipulate the required tools or to move to a more optimal position with respect to thepatient2. The hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 can be moved to a different position while maintaining theRemote Center250. The different position may allow greater access to the patient. Theshoulder roll mechanism202 provides the ability to move the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 to different positions while maintaining the Remote Center
• FIG. 13A shows an initial position of hyperdexteroussurgical arm200. The figure shows the targettool tip position248 of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. InFIG. 13B, the location and orientation of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 remains the same. The hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 has assumed a different position. Viewing the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 from the targettool tip position248, theshoulder roll segment220 is partly rotated counterclockwise and themain roll segment222 is partly rotated clockwise from the position shown inFIG. 13A. Thus along with the rotate/translatemechanism206 which imparts translation and rotation along thetoll shaft axis252, the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 may be able to maintained at the same targettool tip position248 with various poses of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200. Theoperator1 can place the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 in an optimal position for a procedure, as needed.
• Theshoulder roll mechanism202 provides the ability to move the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 to different positions to avoid other restrictions. Restrictions may be imposed in a surgical environment by a variety of factors. These factors include the body habitus of thepatient2, limitations of objects in the operating arena based on physical dimensions and movability, and the presence of other instruments near or in the work space. Theshoulder roll mechanism202 may help to work around these restrictions. The hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 may be positioned to minimize or eliminate the effects of the restrictions.
• The redundant degree of freedom provided by the shoulder roll mechanism202 (as compared with on-market systems) will increase the performance of the hyperdexteroussurgical system100 in such areas as lowering the effect of backlash and improving or increasing the practical bandwidth of the system. Bandwidth is the ability of a hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 to faithfully follow the motion of aninput device500. Higher bandwidths may allow the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 to accelerate faster. For instance, in a low bandwidth system, if anoperator1 moves theinput device500 quickly or at a rapid speed, the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 may not be able to follow the motion of theinput device500. Backlash is the amount of “play” in a mechanical system.
• In systems that have a fixedRemote Center250, bandwidth and backlash are generally inversely related. For example, if theend effector306 of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 is very close to theRemote Center250, themain roll mechanism204 and/or theshoulder roll mechanism202 moves a large amount to cause a small movement of theend effector306. This movement stresses the bandwidth limitations of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200, but is favorable from an actuator backlash perspective. As another example, if the shaft of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 is extended far into the body of thepatient2 and away from any singularities, more demand is placed on themain roll mechanism204 and/or theshoulder roll mechanism202 to effect a change of theend effector306. The bandwidth is appropriate but the backlash may become significant. The parameters such as bandwidth and backlash may vary considerably from region to region within the work space
• Sweet spots are regions where the hyperdexteroussurgical system100 is controlled and parameters such as bandwidth and backlash are within acceptable parameters. Factors including bandwidth, backlash, mechanical limitations imposed by the design of the system, location of singularities (where two or more degrees of freedom coincide) may impact the sweet spot of the system. Designers attempt to have the sweet spot define a region as large as possible for the task to be performed.
• In some embodiments, the bandwidth and backlash are optimized for all regions within the work space. The bandwidth and backlash are not optimal around singularities.
• For example, a singularity may exist when thetool shaft axis252 aligns with themain roll axis240, as shown inFIG. 10. Theend effector306 may be more difficult to control. Theshoulder roll mechanism202 may prevent singularities by providing an additional degree of freedom. Theshoulder roll mechanism202 may provide additional poses of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 and provide additional ways to arrange segments of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200. Theshoulder roll mechanism202 can provide a greater working area over which the bandwidth and backlash are within acceptable parameters.
Alternative Arms
• The hyperdexterous surgical arm can have many configurations.FIGS. 14-16 show alternative configurations of the hyperdexterous surgical arm. The hyperdexterous surgical arm can preserve aRemote Center250, as described herein. The hyperdexterous surgical arm can be incorporated into the hyperdexterous surgical systems described herein. The hyperdexterous surgical arm can be controlled byinput devices500 which enable the operator to be mobile.
• FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of a hyperdexteroussurgical arm2000. The hyperdexteroussurgical arm2000 can include abase2002 including afirst roller slide2004 and asecond roller slide2006. Thefirst roller slide2004 can be orthogonal to thesecond roller slide2006. Thefirst roller slide2004 permits movement in a first direction (e.g. vertical). Thesecond roller slide2006 permits movement in a second direction (e.g. horizontal). The rollingslide2004 can position an offsetarm2008 along the direction ofArrow2010 and/or rollingslide2006 can position the offset arm along the direction ofArrow2012. Thefirst roller slide2004 and/or the second roller slide can be passive (e.g., not motorized). Thefirst roller slide2004 and/or the second roller slide can be active (e.g., motorized).
• The hyperdexteroussurgical arm2000 includes an offsetarm2008. The offsetarm2008 is offset (e.g., the structure of the offsetarm2008 is not concentric or symmetric about its longitudinal axis). The offsetarm2008 includes two degrees of freedom (pitch and roll). The offsetarm2008 can include apitch mechanism2024 and a roll mechanism. Thepitch mechanism2024 has a pitch axis. The offsetarm2008 can rotate atrocar302 about the pitch axis, aboutArrow2021. The roll mechanism has aroll axis2018. The offsetarm2008 can rotate around theroll axis2018 in the direction ofArrow2020. The pitch axis and the roll axis intersect theRemote Center250. The rollingslide2004 and the rollingslide2006 also allow motion only about axes which pass through the Remote Center.
• The distal end of the offsetarm2008 may be coupled to atrocar carrier2022. In some embodiments, the offsetarm2008 is coupled to thetrocar carrier2022 by an arcing slide. An arcing slide having a circular radius will maintain a fixed center of rotation, such as theRemote Center250. The shape of the arc can be altered. In some embodiments, the shape of the arc is elliptical. By alternating the shape, the location of Rotation Center could be made to vary in the vertical direction. In one embodiment, thepitch mechanism2024 is provided at least in part by the rollingslide2004 coupled to thetrocar carrier2022.
• The rollingslide2024 may extend up to +/−90° from vertical (including +/−15°, +/−30°, +/−45°, +/−60°, +/−75°, etc.) by rolling between the distal end of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm2000 and thetrocar carrier2022 in a curved, telescoping fashion. When the rollingslide2024 is vertical, the rollingslide2024 may be within the profile of thetrocar carrier2022. This may minimize the swept volume, thereby reducing interference with surrounding tissue, other equipment, and/or operating room personnel.
• Thepitch mechanism2024, the roll mechanism,first roller slide2004, and thesecond roller slide2006 can be passive or active. In some embodiments, the motion of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm2000 may be actively controlled and may be manipulated by an energy source (e.g., motors such as electric motors, hydraulics, pneumatics, etc. not shown).
• The offsetarm2008 has two degrees of freedom (pitch and roll). The rollingslide2004 and the rollingslide2006 can provide two degrees of freedom by providing movement alongArrow2010 andArrow2012. The hyperdexteroussurgical arm2000 can have four degrees of freedom.
• FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of a hyperdexteroussurgical arm2026. The hyperdexteroussurgical arm2026 may include three segments,segment2028,segment2030, andsegment2032. Thesegments2028,2030, and2032 are coupled to each other by roll mechanism. In other embodiments, thesegments2028,2030,2032 are coupled to each other via other suitable mechanisms. The three mechanisms have axes ofrotation2034,2036,2038. These axes intersect at theRemote Center250. The third roll mechanism in the hyperdexteroussurgical arm2026 provides a redundant degree of freedom.
• The distal end of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm2026 may be coupled to a hyperdexteroussurgical tool2046 and/or atrocar2048. The hyperdexteroussurgical arm2026 may include a rotate/translatemechanism2044 which translates and rotates thetool2046. Thetool2046 may have two degrees of freedom (pitch, yaw). The combination of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm2026, the rotate/translatemechanism2044, and the hyperdexteroussurgical tool2046 can have seven degrees of freedom. Thetool2046 can have additional degrees of freedom.
• FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of an alternative pitch mechanism. Thearm2050 ofFIG. 16 can be combined with additional mechanism (e.g., roll mechanisms, pitch mechanisms) in order to provide a hyperdexterous surgical arm. Thearm2050 can preserve aRemote Center250. Thearm2050 can include a roll mechanism that rotates about theroll axis2058. Thefollower plate2054 can rotate about theroll axis2058 and can be supported by a bearing (not shown). Thearm2050 can be mounted to other mechanisms in such a way that thearm2050 would rotate aboutroll axis2058, supported by the bearing (not shown) and actuated by a motor (not shown).
• Thearm2050 can provide a pitch mechanism that rotates about the pitch axis. The pitch mechanism can take a number of forms include four bar linkages, band- or cable-constrained parallel mechanisms, or gear and cam. A gear and cam mechanisms is shown inFIG. 16.
• Thefollower plate2054 can include a profiledslot2056. Thefollower plate2054 can include agear profile2060 which can engage agear follower2062. Thegear profile2060 may be non-circular, and/or the gear follower can be non-circular. Thegear follower2062 can drive acable spool2064 which can drive acable2066. Thecable2066 can be coupled to thearm2051. Thearm2051 may include gears or pulleys that interact with thecable2066. Thecable2066 drives the rotation of theoutput pulley2068. Theoutput pulley2068 may be near the distal end of thearm2051 and may be coupled to thetrocar2070. Thearm2051 may slide through alinear bearing2072. The profiles of the profiledslot2056,non-circular gear profile2060 andnon-circular gear follower2062 may cause thetrocar2070 to rotate about the pitch axis. The shape of thearm2051 may be straight or be curved as shown for tissue clearance.
• Thearm2050 has one degree of freedom provided by the pitch mechanism. Thearm2050 can have one degree of freedom provided by a roll mechanism (not shown), with aroll axis2058. Additional redundant degrees of freedom can be added to thearm2050 to make the arm2050 a hyperdexterous surgical arm. The hyperdexterous surgical tool (not shown) and the rotate/translate mechanism can provide four degrees of freedom, for a total of six degrees of freedom.
• The pitch mechanism and the roll mechanism can be passive or active. In some embodiments, the motion of thearm2050 may be actively controlled and may be manipulated by an energy source (e.g., motors such as electric motors, hydraulics, pneumatics, etc. not shown). Theoperator1 can mount thearm2050 to establish theRotation Center250.
Hyperdexterous Surgical Tool
• The hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 and the rotate/translatemechanism208 provides four degrees of freedom for the hyperdexteroussurgical system100. The rotate/translatemechanism208 can both rotate and translate the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. The smaller size of the rotate/translatemechanism208 advantageously allows the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 to be smaller in size, as discussed previously. The small size of the rotate/translatemechanism208 enables the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 to be smaller and lightweight, which among other things enables more free space around thepatient2.
• The hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 can be rotated and/or translated by a rotate/translatemechanism208. The rotate/translatemechanism208 rotates the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 along with the rotate/translatemechanism208. The rotate/translatemechanism208 translates the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. The rotate/translatemechanism208 can provide any combination of translation and/or rotation. The rotate/translatemechanism208 can advantageously accommodate tool shafts of various diameters. The rotate/translatemechanism208 accommodate tool shafts of any length. The mechanisms that interact with the tool shaft as described inFIGS. 17-22 are not limited to a specific number of rotations. Therefore the mechanism can accommodate a tool shaft of any length, which is an advantage over existing, on-market translation mechanisms which use telescoping segments that are inherently limited in range. The compact size of the rotate/translatemechanism208 can be lighter, allowing for the use of a smaller hyperdexterous surgical arm.
• The end effector provides two degrees of freedom (pitch, yaw) and can provide additional degrees of freedom (jaw actuation, pinch). Referring back toFIG. 10, the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 includes theend effector306, for example a grasper, a needle holder, a stapler, a cauterizing tool, deployed at the tip of an elongated shaft. The hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 can be introduced through a small incision in the body (e.g., of the patient2).
• FIG. 7 shows the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 and the rotate/translatemechanism208. The rotate/translatemechanism208 provides two degree of freedom to the hyperdexterous surgical system100 (rotate, translate). Among the degrees of freedom imparted by the rotate/translate mechanism are rotation of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 about thetool shaft axis252 and linear translation of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 along the tool shaft axis252 (seeFIG. 10). The hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 may be rotated or translated without moving theRemote Center250. The rotate/translatemechanism208 imparts rotation and/or translation directly onto the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 that is supported by the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200.
• The rotation of the rotate/translatemechanism208 is transformed into rotation of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. The translation of the rotate/translatemechanism208 is transformed into translation of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. The direction and speed of the pulleys, geared wheels, or other engagement mechanisms of the rotate/translatemechanism208 results in different types of motion of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300.
• The smaller size of the rotate/translatemechanism208 may ensure that that the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 can be smaller in size. The smaller size may reduce the chances for collision with other components of the hyperdexterous surgical system100 (e.g., other hyperdexteroussurgical arms200, other segments). The smaller size of the proximal section of the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 may ensure that that the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 encounters fewer restrictions of movement. The smaller weight of hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 allows the use of drive mechanisms, such as motors, that are less bulky. Further, the need for large and powerful motors may be reduced.
• The small size of the rotate/translatemechanism208 enables more free space around thepatient2. The free space enables the surgeon to manipulate amanual tool350 simultaneously with the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 from various positions. The free space enables the surgeon to reposition himself at multiple locations during surgery. The free space enables the operator to usemanual tools350 concurrently with use of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200. The free space permits easier physical access to the patient when necessary.
• Due to the smaller space taken up by hyperdexteroussurgical system100, theoperator1, such as a surgeon or surgical team member, can advantageously enable more free space around the patient. The free space enables theoperator1 to readily gain access to the patient.
• FIGS. 17-22 illustrate one embodiment of the rotate/translatemechanism208. Two different types of rotate/translatemechanisms208 will be discussed below—the asymmetric rotate/translatemechanism258 and a symmetric rotate/translatemechanism2500. There may be other types of rotate/translatemechanisms208 as well. The rotate/translatemechanism258,2500 may use rollers, gears, pulleys, friction surfaces, etc. in either symmetric or asymmetric differential configurations. It may also be combined with the hyperdexterous surgical tool in order to minimize the number of discrete parts of the system and increase the ease of use and setup. The asymmetric rotate/translatemechanism258 can include at least two pulleys, apulley260 and apulley262. The asymmetric rotate/translatemechanism258 has acentral housing264 located through the centers of thepulleys260,262. Thepulley260 can be coupled to thecentral housing264. Thepulley262 can rotate about thecentral housing264. The hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 can be inserted through thecentral housing264.
• Thepulley260 can include at least two rollers, aroller266 and aroller268. Referring now toFIG. 18, theroller266 has aroller wheel270 and aroller drum272. Theroller268 has aroller wheel274 and aroller drum276. The diameter of the roller drums272,276 may be smaller than theroller wheel270,274. Theroller wheel270 has aconcave surface278 and theroller wheel274 has aconcave surface280. Theconcave surfaces278,280 can conform to the shape of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 and facilitate the ability of therollers266,268 to grip or engage the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 through slots in thecentral housing264. Althoughroller wheel270 androller wheel274 are shown to have concave surfaces, various other surfaces may be utilized to engage the surface of the tool shaft of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300, including but not limited to textured surfaces, gear teeth, and belts.
• Thepulley260 includes at least two additional rollers, aroller282 and aroller284. Therollers282,284 are attached to the underside of thepulley260.FIG. 17 shows theroller282 attached to the underside of thepulley260.
• The process of translation of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 is shown inFIGS. 19 and 20. As shown inFIG. 19, amotor286 drives thepulley260 and amotor288 drivespulley262. As mentioned previously, the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 can be inserted through thecentral housing264. If themotor288 is driven such that thepulley262 rotates in the direction ofArrow1, theroller282 will rotate in the direction ofArrow2. Turning toFIG. 20, which is the top view illustrating the same motion as shown inFIG. 19, theroller282 is shown rotating in the direction ofArrow2.
• Theroller284 is not shown inFIG. 19. Turning toFIG. 20, which is the top view illustrating the same motion as shown inFIG. 19; theroller284 is shown rotating in the direction ofArrow3. The rotation of therollers282,284 will cause theroller drum272 and theroller drum276 to rotate. The rotation of the roller drums272,276 will cause theroller wheel270 and theroller wheel274 to rotate. The rotation of theroller266, including theroller wheel270 and theroller drum272, is shown byArrow4. The rotation of theroller268, including theroller wheel274 and theroller drum276, is shown byArrow5.
• The rotation of theroller wheel270 ofroller266 and the rotation of theroller wheel274 ofroller268 causes the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 inserted in thecentral housing264 to translate. However, the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 must be allowed to uncouple from thecentral housing264 to permit the use of a different hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. The hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 translates in the direction ofArrow6, shown inFIG. 19.Arrow6 is not shown inFIG. 20 as it would be perpendicular, out of the plane of the drawing. To translate the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 in the downward direction, themotor288 simply turns in the reverse direction, reverse toArrow1. This causes the motions of therollers266,268, including theroller wheels270,274 and the roller drums272,276, to rotate in reverse. This causes the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 to translate in the opposite direction to the direction shown inFIGS. 19 and 20.
• The process of rotation of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 is shown inFIGS. 21 and 22. InFIG. 21, thepulley260 and thepulley262 are rotated by themotor286 and themotor288, respectively. Both pulleys260,262 are rotated in the same direction, shown byArrow7. Due to the motion of bothmotors286,288, theroller282 will not rotate in the direction ofArrow2, as shown inFIGS. 19 and 20. Due to the motion of bothmotors286,288, theroller284 will not rotate in the direction ofArrow3, as shown inFIG. 20. When both pulleys260,262 rotate in the same direction, theroller282 and284 do not rotate about their own rotation axes290,292. Subsequently, therollers266 and268 do not rotate about their own rotation axes294,296, as shown inFIG. 20. Therollers266,268,282,284 do rotate with thepulley260, as shown byArrow8 inFIG. 22. Thepulley260 rotates about thecentral housing264. As thepulley260 is rotated, the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 rotates as shown by Arrow9. To rotate in the other direction, the motors simply turns in the reverse direction, reverse toArrow7 shown inFIG. 21.
• The rotate translate258 uses engagement mechanisms such as rollers and friction wheels. Other types of engagement mechanism may additionally or alternatively be utilized including gears, belts, beveled gears, and cables.
• FIGS. 23-27 illustrate another embodiment of a rotate/translatemechanism2500. This mechanism falls in the category of symmetric rotate/translate and differential rotate/translate mechanisms. The symmetric rotate/translatemechanism2500 can include abeveled gear2504 and abeveled gear2506. InFIG. 23, thecentral housing2502 is generally perpendicular to the beveled gears2504,2506. The beveled gears2504,2506 include teeth, which are shown inFIG. 24.
• The motor2508 (e.g., electric motor) includesmotor gear2510. Themotor2508 andmotor gear2510 drive beveledgear2504. Thebeveled gear2504 drives aninset beveled gear2512. Theinset gear2512 and theinset gear2526 are connected to thecentral housing2502 but can rotate about their own central rotation axes. The inset beveledgear2512 is coupled with thecentral housing2502. The inset beveledgear2512 rotates about theaxle2514. Theaxle2514 is coupled to asecondary gear2516. Thesecondary gear2516 interfaces with aspur gear2518. Thespur gear2518 is connected to aroller2520.
• The motor2522 (e.g., electric motor) includesmotor gear2524. Themotor2522 andmotor gear2524 drive beveledgear2506. Thebeveled gear2506 drives aninset beveled gear2526. The inset beveledgear2526 is coupled with thecentral housing2502. The inset beveledgear2526 rotates about theaxle2528. Theaxle2528 is coupled to asecondary gear2530. Thesecondary gear2530 interfaces with aspur gear2532. Thespur gear2532 is connected with aroller2536.
• FIG. 24 shows therollers2520,2536 and the beveled gears2504,2506. The symmetric rotate/translatemechanism2500 includes alinear drive belt2538 coupled with theroller2520 and alinear drive belt2540 coupled with theroller2536. Theroller2520 is placed between thelinear drive belt2538 and thecentral housing2502, so that thelinear drive belt2538 partially wraps around theroller2520. Theroller2536 is placed between thelinear drive belt2540 and thecentral housing2502, so that thelinear drive belt2540 partially wraps around theroller2536. Thelinear drive belt2538 and thelinear drive belt2540 can extend at least partially along the length of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 and are coupled to the shaft of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300.
• The process of translation of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 is shown inFIGS. 25 and 26. Themotor2522 is rotated as shown in the direction ofArrow1. This causes thebeveled gear2506 to rotate in the direction ofArrow2. Thebeveled gear2506 causes theinset beveled gear2526 to rotate in the direction ofArrow3. The rotation ofinset beveled gear2526 causes thesecondary gear2530 rotate in the same direction asArrow4. The rotation of the secondary gear causes2530 thespur gear2532 to rotate in the direction ofArrow5. The rotation of thespur gear2532 causes theroller2536 to rotate in the direction ofArrow6. Referring now toFIG. 26, theroller2536 rotates in the direction ofArrow6.
• Themotor2508 is rotated as shown in the direction ofArrow7. This causes thebeveled gear2504 to rotate in the direction ofArrow8. Thebeveled gear2504 causes theinset beveled gear2512 to rotate in the direction of Arrow9. The rotation ofinset beveled gear2512 causes thesecondary gear2516 rotate in the direction asArrow10. The rotation of thesecondary gear2516 causes thespur gear2518 to rotate in the direction ofArrow11. The rotation of thespur gear2518 causes theroller2520 to rotate in the direction ofArrow12. Referring now toFIG. 26, theroller2520 rotates in the direction ofArrow12. Therollers2520 engage opposite sides of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300, as shown inFIG. 26. InFIGS. 23 and 25, theroller2520 is behind thecentral housing2502 and the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 and is therefore shown in dashed lines.
• The rotation of therollers2520,2536 will cause linear translation of thelinear belt drives2538,2540 in the direction indicated byArrow13 andArrow14 inFIG. 26. The motion of thelinear belt drives2538,2540 causes linear translation of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. Thelinear belt drives2538,2540 are coupled to the tool shaft of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300, and the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 translates through thecentral housing2502. A hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 inserted in thecentral housing2502 would translate in the direction ofArrow13 andArrow14. To move the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 in the upward direction, themotors2508,2522 would simply rotate in the opposite direction, a direction opposite toArrow1 andArrow7 inFIG. 25.
• The process of rotation of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 is shown inFIGS. 27 and 28. The motors, motor gears, secondary gears, spur gears and rollers below the linear belt drive are not shown. In addition, the teeth for the beveled gears and the inset gears are not shown. InFIG. 27, the beveled gears2504,2506 are rotated by the motors (not shown). Both beveledgears2504,2506 are rotated in the same direction, shown byArrow15. Due to the motion of both motors, the inset beveled gears2512,2526 will not rotate in the direction ofArrow3 and9, as shown inFIG. 22.
• Due to the motion of both motors, therollers2520,2536 rotate with the beveled gears2504,2506, as shown byArrow16 inFIG. 27. The rotation of bothbevel gears2504,2506 in the same direction causes thecentral housing2502 and the captured hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 to all rotate at the same speed. As the beveled gears2504,2506 are rotated, the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 rotates as shown byArrow16. To rotate in the other direction, the motors simply turn in the reverse direction.
• Due to the motion of bothmotors2508,2522, the inset beveled gears2512,2526 rotate with the beveled gears2504,2506. The inset beveledgears2512,2526 are coupled with thecentral housing2502. The rotation of thebevel gears2504,2506, and the inset beveled gears2512,2526 in the same direction causes thecentral housing2502 and the captured hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 to all rotate at the same speed. The engagement mechanisms such as gears, belts, and beveled gears can be utilized in the rotate/translatemechanism208. Other types of engagement mechanism may additionally or alternatively be utilized in other embodiments such as rollers, bearings, and cables.
• FIG. 28 illustrates an alternative embodiment of thelinear belt drives2538,2540 androllers2520,2536 ofFIGS. 23-27. The embodiment includes smallercontinuous belt drives2546,2548. Thebelt drive2546 surrounds tworollers2550,2552. Thebelt drive2548 surrounds tworollers2556,2558. Theteeth2560,2562 for the belt drives2546,2548 are placed on the outside surface of the belt drives2546,2548. Theteeth2560,2562 for the belt drives2546,2548 engage theteeth2564,2566 on the outside surface of thecentral housing2502 or directly on the tool shaft of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. Although belt drives are used to engage thecentral housing2502 or the tool shaft of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 in the illustrated embodiment, various other suitable mechanisms may be utilized to engage thecentral housing2502 or the tool shaft of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300.
• The rotate/translatemechanism208 can provide any combination of translation or rotation. Referring back toFIG. 23, assume that the anticlockwise rotation of themotor2508 and the anticlockwise rotation of themotor2522 is assigned a “+” direction and the clockwise rotation ofmotor2508 and2522 is assigned a “−” direction. Further also assume that one unit of translation of thecentral housing2502 or the tool shaft of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 in the downward direction is called “T+” and one unit of clockwise rotation of thecentral housing2502 is called “R+”. This nomenclature may be reversed without changing the concept. It must be further noted that the one translation unit may not correspond with an integral units of distance, such as 1 cm. Similarly one rotation unit may not correspond to a complete rotation of thecentral housing2502. The conversion of these units to actual distance or degrees depends on the gear ratio selected.
• Assuming that one unit of rotation of themotor2508 or “MA+” produces one translation unit in the positive direction and one rotation unit of thecentral housing2502 in the positive direction. Thus:
• 
  MA₊=T₊+R₊  Eqn. 1
• Similarly, one unit of rotation of themotor2522 or MB+ produces one translation unit in the positive direction and one rotation unit of thecentral housing2502 in the negative direction. Thus:
• 
  MB₊=T₊+R₋  Eqn. 2
• For example, to get two units of translation in the positive direction:
• 
  MA₊+MB₊=2T₊  Eqn. 3
• To get one unit of rotation in the negative direction
• 
  ½MA₋+½MB₊=R  Eqn. 4
• Thus any combination of translation and/or rotation may be obtained by combining the motions of themotors2508,2522 including the combination where one motor does not move. In some embodiments, the speed of translation and rotation may be varied using the same concepts. The speed of themotors2508,2522 may be set as a predetermined value. In some embodiments, through thedisplay600, an operator1 (e.g., surgeon) may want to choose a slower, more sensitive setting, whereas another operator may prefer a less sensitive setting. This is analogous to a setting the sensitivity settings of a computer mouse where the response of the pointer on the screen may follow the user settings based on preference settings.
• In some embodiments, the translation unit and the rotation unit may correspond to actual distances and actual degrees of rotations. The conversion values may be determined during the design stage of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 or may be determined via a calibration procedure. The conversion values may be stored in memory within thecontrol system400. Due to play in the components and other factors, eachmotor2508,2522 may not result in exactly the same amount of translation and rotation. In this case, these differences may be accounted by thecontrol system400 and in the equations described above.
• The rotate/translatemechanism208 can advantageously accommodate tool shafts of various diameters.FIGS. 29-31 show awidth adjuster2600 coupled to the asymmetric rotate/translatemechanism258, described herein. Thewidth adjuster2600 can be coupled to the symmetrical rotate/translatemechanism2500.FIG. 29 shows a side view of thewidth adjuster2600, coupled to thecentral housing264. Thewidth adjuster2600 may move up and down along the length of thecentral housing264. The width adjuster can have a plurality oflinks2602A,2602B,2602C (not shown),2602D (not shown) attached to therollers266,268, and282. A link can be attached to roller284 (not shown). Thelinks2602A,2602B may be arranged in a triangular shape. Thelinks2602A connect thewidth adjuster2600 to theroller266 and theroller282 in a generally triangular shape. Thelinks2602B connect thewidth adjuster2600 to theroller268 and theroller282 in a generally triangular shape. The links2602C connect thewidth adjuster2600 to theroller266 and theroller284 in a generally triangular shape (not shown). The links2602D connect thewidth adjuster2600 to theroller268 and theroller284 in a generally triangular shape (not shown). The triangle shape is an example of shapes that can be deployed, and other shapes are possible. The links2602 can be solid pieces.
• The links2602 pivot around the axis of rotation of therollers282 and284. The links2602 can adjust the position of the centers ofroller266 and268. Therollers266,268 have shafts that extend along theirrotation axis294,296. The shafts of therollers266 and268 are coupled to the links2602.
• Thewidth adjuster2600 can translate along the axis of thecentral housing264. When thewidth adjuster2600 moves downward, the links2602 pivot to assume a new position. The links pivot around theaxes290,292 of therollers282,284. In this new position of the links2602, therollers266,268 assume a new position, as shown inFIG. 31. The new position ofrollers266′,268′ permit a hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 of a greater diameter to be inserted into thecentral housing264. As shown inFIGS. 30-31, the old position of therollers266,268 is shown in dashed lines, while the new position of therollers266′,268′ is shown is shown in solid lines. There is more space between the roller in thenew position266′ and268′.
• In another example, in obese patients the manipulation of tools becomes difficult due to the body habitus; in these cases a larger or longer hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 can be supported by the hyperdexteroussurgical arms200. Thewidth adjuster2600 enables larger diameter tools to be used. The rotate/translatemechanism208 enables the uses of longer tools.
• In other aspect of the invention, it is often desirable to know how far a hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 is inserted into the body of apatient2. In a surgical setting, the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 is inserted into the body of thepatient2, such as the abdomen of thepatient2. It may be advantageous to know how much of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 is inside the body of thepatient2 and/or know how much of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 is outside the body. This distance may be determined by monitoring and calculating electrical parameters such as resistance or capacitance of the section of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 that is outside the body of thepatient2.
• A contact between the body of thepatient2 and the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 is made at the point of entry. An electrical circuit may be completed between a set point on the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 outside the patient and the contact point on the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 at the point of entry. As the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 is manipulated, electrical parameters such as resistance or capacitance between the set point and the contact point may change. This change may be monitored and further processed (e.g., by the control system400) to calculate the ratio of the tool outside thepatient2 to the ratio of the tool inside thepatient2.
Input Devices
• Theinput devices500 control the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 and/or the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300. Theinput devices500 can be wireless and/or portable allowing the operator to move about thepatient2. Theinput devices500 allow the operator to be at various locations within the operating arena (e.g., various locations at the patient's bedside). Theinput devices500 enable the operator to control the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 and themanual tool350 simultaneously. The simultaneous manipulation the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 and themanual tools350 advantageously reduces the need for a surgical assistant to manipulate themanual tools350 while the operator controls the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. Theinput device500 of the present invention can take a number of forms including the pincher502 (seeFIG. 32A) and the controller514 (seeFIG. 2).
• Theinput devices500 can be wireless or wired. In some embodiments, theinput devices500 are handheld, portable devices that can be carried by the operator allowing the operator to move about thepatient2 and operate theinput devices500 from various locations (e.g., various bedside locations) during use of the hyperdexteroussurgical system100. Theoperator1 can therefore move around the operating arena and control the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 from various locations, as illustrated inFIGS. 3A-3C.
• In some embodiments, theinput device500 can be coupled to the body of theoperator1.FIG. 32A shows thepincher502. Thepincher502 may assist theoperator1 in controlling a hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 in a manner consistent with holding the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 with the thumb and the forefinger. Thepincher502 may assist theoperator1 in controlling a hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 at a control point such as the tool tip.
• Theoperator1, such as a surgeon, wears the tworings504,506 of thepincher502. Onering504 can be placed around the thumb of theoperator1 and onering506 can be placed around the forefinger of theoperator1. However, therings504,506 can be worn on other fingers based on the configuration of the pinchers. There may be an association with the motion of theinput device502 and the motion of a tool tip or the end-effector306.
• Thepincher502 may have various sensors508 such as position sensors and gyroscopes. Additional sensors510 such as strain sensors may also measure the distance between the two arms of thepincher502. The sensors508,510 can provide information related to the position and orientation of thepincher502 to thecontrol system400. The information from these sensors508,510 serve as inputs to the control algorithms such that the hand, wrist and finger movement of theoperator1 may be translated to motion of the control point. The movements of theinput device502 can control the movements of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200, the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300, and/or the end-effector306 of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300, such as a gripper. In one embodiment, thepincher502 can include a power source such as a button cell (not shown).
• In some embodiments, a second a pair of rings can be provided. The second pair of rings can be worn on other fingers of the same hand. Theoperator1 may wear the second pair of rings around other fingers so that various motions of the hand may be translated to specific commands. The second pair of rings can be worn on different fingers of the same hand controlling thepincher502. One ring of the second pair of rings can be placed around the thumb of theoperator1 and one ring of the second pair of rings can be placed around the last finger of theoperator1. As a non-limiting example, the first pair ofrings504,506 of thefirst pincher502 can control a first hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 and the second pair of rings can control a second hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. As a non-limiting example, the first pair ofrings504,506 of thefirst pincher502 and the second pair of rings can control the same hyperdexteroussurgical tool300.
• In some embodiments, the second pair of rings and/or asecond pincher502 can be worn on the other hand. The second pair of rings and/or asecond pincher502 can be worn on a different hand of theoperator1 than the hand controlling thefirst pincher502. As a non-limiting example, the first pair ofrings504,506 of thefirst pincher502 can control a first hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 and the second pair of rings and/or thesecond pincher502 can control a second hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. As a non-limiting example, the first pair ofrings504,506 of thefirst pincher502 and the second pair of rings and/or thesecond pincher502 can control the same hyperdexterous surgical tool300 (e.g., at different control point).
• The movement of thepincher502 described herein can cause the movement of any control point. The control point can control the end effector (e.g., a grasper motion). However, theinput devices500 need not only control theend effector306 or tip of a hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. Theinput devices500 can control any part of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 by assigning a control point any location along the hyperdexterous surgical tool300 (e.g., via the display600). The control point can be considered a hypothetical location from which theoperator1 is controlling the tool (e.g., a fulcrum). The control point can be created anywhere along the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300, the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200, or any component of the hyperdexteroussurgical system100.
• In some embodiments, theinput device500 is held by theoperator1.FIG. 32B shows another embodiment of aninput device500. In the illustrated embodiment, theinput device500 can be aknob503. Theoperator1, such as a surgeon, can hold theknob503 with the one or more fingers of a hand. Theknob503 can have one ormore buttons505. A control point of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 can be moved or actuated when the operator squeezes at least one of the one ormore buttons505.
• In some embodiments, theinput device500 is fixed relative to theoperator1. One embodiment is shown inFIG. 2. The hyperdexteroussurgical system100 can include aplatform602. Theinput device500 can be coupled to theplatform602. Theinput device500 can be coupled to any fixture within the operating arena. Theinput device500 can take the form of acontroller514. Thecontroller514 can be wired or wireless. Theuser interface sub-system605 allows anoperator1, such as a surgeon, to control thewired controller514 in close proximity to thedisplay600, as shown inFIG. 2. Thewired controller514 can be located below thisdisplay600. Theplatform602 may also include ahorizontal resting bar603.
• For example, if theoperator1 during the course of the surgery decides to sit and control the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300, thecontroller514 would allow him or her to do that. For certain surgical procedures, theoperator1 may find it more comfortable to move a fixed input device such as thewired controller514 rather than aninput device500 attached to the operator's body such aspincher502. For instance, theoperator1 may be able to control his or her movements better while resting against thehorizontal resting bar602 and/or sitting. The natural body position of the operator may be to rest a portion of his or her body against thehorizontal resting bar603 while controlling thewired controller514. Theoperator1 can control other input devices500 (e.g., pincher502) while resting against thehorizontal resting bar603.
• The hyperdexteroussurgical system100 can be controlled from multiple locations in the surgical arena. In some embodiments, theoperator1 can sit or stand while holding or otherwise controlling one or more input devices500 (e.g.,pincher502, wired controller514). The operator can support a portion of his or her body on the restingbar603. Thevarious input devices500 allow theoperator1 to move around and place him or herself in the most optimal position.
• Theinput device500 controls the movement of one or more control points. The control points are locations which have the capability to execute some motion. Control points can be located on the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200, hyperdexteroussurgical tools300, or any other location. The hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 can be controlled by theinput devices500 relative to one or more control points2600. The control points2600 are locations on the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 and/or the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 which have the ability to move. The input by theoperator1 effects the movement of the one or more sections that are connected to thecontrol point2600.
• Theoperator1 can associate acontrol point2600 with theinput device500 being manipulated. Moving theinput device500 causes the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 and/or the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 to move about the control point. The movement of theinput device500 would cause movement of the selectedcontrol point2600. This would cause movement of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 that is controlled by the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200. Thedisplay600 may be used to assign aninput device500 to aspecific control point2600.
• The hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 can be controlled by theinput devices500 relative to one or morevirtual grips512. Thevirtual grip512 can increase the flexibility with which the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 are positioned within thepatient2.FIGS. 33A and 33B show a hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. InFIG. 33A, thevirtual grip512 is placed at the end of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. If the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 were to be constrained to move about the location of thevirtual grip512, then the tool tip andend effector306 could only swing a small distance. InFIG. 33B, thevirtual grip512 is placed towards the middle of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. The tool tip andend effector306 can swing a larger distance. Thevirtual grip512 allows theoperator1 such as a surgeon to decide between fine motion and coarse motion. By moving thevirtual grip512 toward the tool tip, the operator can complete finer maneuvers. If multiple hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 are used, then each tool may have a differentvirtual grip512. Further, differentvirtual grips512 can be activated bydifferent input devices500, such that eachvirtual grip512 is independently controlled. For example, the left hand with oneinput device500 may control a hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 with a virtual grip near the end-effector, as shown inFIG. 33A. The right hand with anotherinput device500 may control the same hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 with thevirtual grip512 placed in the middle of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300, as shown inFIG. 33B.
• As described herein, theoperator1 may control a hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 by associating avirtual grip512 to the tool tip. With his or her other hand, theoperator1 may associate avirtual grip512 to the proximal end of the hyperdexterous surgical tool300 (e.g., the same hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 or a different hyperdexterous surgical tool300). The virtual grip at the proximal end would allow theoperator1 to control the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 similar to how he or she controls a laparoscopic tool. The natural control of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 in this manner may be accomplished by associating independent frames of reference to each of the operator's hands, as described herein.
• The position of theinput device500 in space may be tracked. In some embodiments, the position is tracked by coupling absolute encoders (not shown) to theinput device500. In some embodiments, a position sensor (optical tracker) is mounted at the base of theinput device500. In some embodiments, theinput device500 is tracked by a sensor that theoperator1 wears. In some embodiments, theinput device500 is tracked by a sensor on theplatform602. The position sensor can provide the position of theinput device500 relative to a ground reference point (not shown). The position sensor and/or the encoders can be utilized to track the position of theinput device500. One skilled in the art may utilize others suitable sensors, mechanism or methods of tracking components of the hyperdexteroussurgical system100. In some embodiments, more than one (e.g., a plurality, several) tracking technologies are used in conjunction. The redundant tracking technologies can account for occlusions and detect malfunctions. The redundant tracking technologies can increase resolution or bandwidth.
• In some embodiments, theinput devices500 are sterile or capable of being sterilized. Theoperator1 needs to maintain his hands in a sterile environment during the course of the procedure. During surgery, theoperator1 may manipulate one or moremanual tools350 and one ormore input devices500. Theinput devices500 can be used in conjunction with touching the patient. For instance, theoperator1 can control theinput devices500 and touch thepatient2 simultaneously (e.g., with their hand or a manual tool). Theinput devices500 must be sterile or capable of being sterilized to maintain the sterile operating environment.
• In some embodiments, theinput devices500 can include one or more features that interact with thecontrol system400. For instance, theinput devices500 can control a camera304 (seeFIG. 35), such as a camera placed in the workspace inside the patient or in the free space above a patient. Thecamera304 can be considered a hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 and controlled by aninput device500. Theinput devices500 can alter the images shown on thedisplay600,702. Images may be inverted, rotated, and left-right flipped on thedisplay600,702 to reflect the viewpoint of the tracked objects, such as theoperator1, or controllable objects such as hyperdexteroussurgical arms200 and/or hyperdexteroussurgical tools300, as described below. In some embodiments, theinput devices500 include a button and/or a slider. The button and/or slider can be actuated by theoperator1 to change thecamera304 pan/tilt and/or zoom. In some embodiments, theoperator1 depresses a button on theinput device500 and uses motions of another part of the operator's body to change the camera parameter. For example, theoperator1 can depress the button and use motions of his eyes to change a camera parameter. In some embodiments, theoperator1 moves the slider (e.g., with a finger) to change the zoom of thecamera304. In some embodiments, theinput devices500 can accept information from thecontrol system400, described below. The control system can send information to theinput devices500, such as instructions to produce tactile feedback for theoperator1. The tactile feedback can be sent via a wireless or a wired connection. Theinput device500 can integrate a sensor which imitates the tactile feedback of using a tool. Theinput device500 can imitate the tactile feedback of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. Theinput device500 can imitate the tactile feedback of themanual tool350. The hyperdexteroussurgical system100 can link the actual tactile feedback of themanual tool350 with an imitation tactile feedback conveyed by theinput device500. In some embodiments, theinput device500 can be docked at an interface (e.g., platform602) which can provide tactile feedback.
Control System
• The hyperdexteroussurgical system100 can include acontrol system400 that translates user inputs (e.g., viainput devices500, display600) to outputs (e.g., motion of control points, images). Thecontrol system400 can pair certain user inputs to certain controllable objects. When executing the movements of the various hyperdexteroussurgical tools300, thecontrol system400 may maintain one or more constraints. Thecontrol system400 can lock one or more hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 to a single tool (e.g., a hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 or a manual tool350). Advantageously, thecontrol system400 allows the hyperdexteroussurgical system100 to enable the flexibility provided to the operator (e.g., surgeon) for performing surgical procedures. For example, as discussed in more detail below, thecontrol system400 allows the surgeon to control the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 using various frames of reference (e.g., immersive camera mounted frame of reference, world-grounded frame of reference), and the ability to move between various frames of reference, which advantageously allows the surgeon to move seamlessly between operating the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 with a camera-mounted frame of reference to perform a surgical task, to a world-grounded frame of reference that allows the surgeon to reposition him or herself in another position while retaining awareness of the position of the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 relative to himself, and then moving back to a camera-mounted frame of reference to continue with a surgical task to begin a different surgical task. Additionally, thecontrol system400 advantageously allows the surgeon to switch control of hyperdexterous surgical tools300 (e.g., between right and left), to allow repositioning of the surgeon to an optimal position, and to rotate the camera view accordingly. Further, thecontrol system400 can advantageously allow one or more hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 to be controlled so that it moves in synchrony with another tool (e.g., with another hyperdexteroussurgical tool300, or with a manual tool350), which can allow the surgeon to virtually tether the tools and move them at the same time, such as when moving the tools to another surgical site.
• FIG. 34 illustrates an embodiment of thecontrol system400. Thecontrol system400 architecture may be thought of as containing three sections; a section408 which receives inputs, a section410 responsible for sending output, and a section412 that computes the outputs based on various data including the inputs. Theoperator1 can provide an input via theinput device500. The inputs can be provided by a wireless orwired input device500. The location of theoperator1 can be an input (e.g., as tracked by a tracking device that communicates with the control system400). Additional components can provide inputs including thedisplay600 and the clutch112.
• Thecontrol system400 may receive inputs from location and orientation sensors of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200, the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 and/or themanual tool350. Thecontrol system400 computes outputs based in part on the various inputs. The outputs may manipulate the one or more hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 and/or the one or more hyperdexteroussurgical arms200. The outputs may be tactile signals sent to theinput device500 to be felt by the surgeon. The output may be images shown on the one ormore displays600,702.
• FIG. 35 shows an embodiment of thecontrol system400 with thecomputer402. Thecontrol system400 can be coupled with several controllable objects, such as one or more hyperdexteroussurgical arms200 and one or more hyperdexteroussurgical tools300.
• Thecontrol system400 can be coupled withseveral input devices500. The arrows indicate the flow of information between thecontrol system400 and theinput devices500. The control system can send information to theinput devices500, for instance tactile feedback as shown by the arrow. The dotted arrow is meant to indicate a wireless communication. The double arrows indicate an input to the control system and an output from the control system. The tactile feedback can be sent via a wireless or a wired connection. Theinput devices500 can be used to control the movement of one or more hyperdexteroussurgical arms200 and/or one or more hyperdexteroussurgical tools300.
• Other thaninput devices500, the control system maybe coupled to several output devices as well. Thecontrol system400 can be coupled with several devices, such as thedisplay600 and thedisplay702. Thedisplay600 can also be an input. Thedisplay600 provides information to theoperator1 and accepts information from theoperator1. Thedisplay600 can be atouch screen monitor604. Other types ofdisplays600 may also be used such as an iPad or other mobile electronic device. In some embodiments, thedisplay600 is sterile or capable of being sterilized. Thedisplay600 can be used in conjunction withmanual tools350. Thedisplay600 can be used in conjunction with touching the patient. Theoperator1 can control thedisplay600 andmanual tools350 simultaneously. The operator can control thedisplay600 and touch thepatient2 simultaneously.
• Thecontrol system400 can be coupled with several controllable objects, such as hyperdexteroussurgical arms200 and/or hyperdexteroussurgical tools300. Thecontrol system400 can be coupled withseveral input devices500. The double headed arrow indicates the flow of information between thecomputer402 and theinput devices500. The clutch112 can provide an input to the computer.
• The manual tool350 (e.g., asensor352 affixed to a manual tool350) can provide an input to the computer. As described earliermanual tools350 can also be used with the hyperdexteroussurgical system100. Thesensors352 on themanual tool350 may provide an input to thecomputer402. Themanual tool350 can be tracked by thesensors352, such as position sensors. Thesensors352 can be affixed, for example, by a collar or a sleeve that fits over themanual tool350. The collar or sleeve can includevarious sensors352, which may be wireless or wired. In some embodiments, thesensors352 may be integrally formed with themanual tool350. The tracking ofmanual tools350 is useful in many situations, such as when themanual tool350 is not within the range of sight of thecamera304.
• Thedisplay600 may show the associations (e.g., pairings) between theinput devices500 and the controlled objects, such as the one or more hyperdexteroussurgical arms200 and/or the one or more hyperdexteroussurgical tools300. As a non-limiting example, thedisplay600 may show icons for theinput devices500 and the controlled objects, such as the one or more hyperdexteroussurgical arms200 and/or the one or more hyperdexteroussurgical tools300.
• FIG. 36 shows one embodiment of a screen shot of adisplay600. In this example, theoperator1 selects aninput device500. As shown inFIG. 36, twoinput devices500 are available to be selected by theoperator1. Theseinput devices500 are twowireless controllers514, butother input devices500 can be depicted on the display600 (e.g., wired controllers). As shown inFIG. 36, five controllable objects are available to be selected by the operator. These controllable objects are five hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 including onecamera304. Thecamera304 can be considered a hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. Other controllable objects can be depicted on thedisplay600. Theoperator1 can select one of the input device icons. Theoperator1 can select one of the controllable object icons. In some embodiments, theoperator1 selects an input device icon and then selects a controllable object icon in sequence, which will cause the selected input device to be paired with and control the selected controllable object. In another embodiment, theoperator1 may run a finger between the input device icon and the controllable object icon on atouch screen604 to pair them together. In yet another embodiment, theoperator1 may use a mouse or pointer to select two icons. Thedisplay600 may indicate the association (e.g., pairing) between theinput device500 and the controlled object for example by indicating a line between icons.
• For example, onecontroller514, labeledWireless Controller1, may control one controllable object, labeledTool3. Onecontroller514, labeledWireless Controller2, may control one controllable object, labeledTool4. Other configurations between the input devices and the controllable objects are possible by following the selection sequence described above.FIG. 37 is a screen shot of the display shown inFIG. 36. For example, onecontroller514, labeledWireless Controller1, may control one controllable object, labeledTool1. Onecontroller514, labeledWireless Controller2, may control one controllable object, labeledTool5.
• Thecontrol system400 may associate the coordinate system of theinput device500 and coordinate systems of the controlled objects, such as the one or more hyperdexteroussurgical arms200 and/or the one or more hyperdexteroussurgical tools300. Thedisplay600 may show the associations (e.g., pairings) between theinput devices500 and the controlled objects. Theinput device500 and the controlled object may move in the same coordinate system. Theinput device500 may move in a rectilinear coordinate system, which may move the controlled object also in a rectilinear coordinate system. For instance, a movement of an input device500 a distance in the positive x-axis direction may move a hyperdexterous surgical tool300 a different distance or the same distance in the positive x-axis direction. Both the controlled object and the input device move in a rectilinear coordinate system.
• Theinput device500 may move about an imaginary center, which may move the controlled object about avirtual grip512. For instance, if the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 moves in circular arcs about a fulcrum, moving theinput device500 in a circular motion about an imaginary center may be more natural. This circular motion may be more natural than a rectilinear motion of theinput device500. Both the controlled object and the input device move in a polar coordinate system.
• Theinput device500 and the controlled object may move in different coordinate systems. Theinput device500 may be moved in a rectilinear coordinate system which may move the controlled object in a polar coordinate system. For some types of motions, it may be easier to calculate and/or display the motion of the controlled object in alternative coordinate systems. Combinations are possible.
• The operator may establish certain constraints for the hyperdexteroussurgical system100. Thecontrol system400 can be arranged such that the constraints are measured quantities such as position or derived parameters such as distance, velocity, force, and tension. The control system can be arranged such that the constraints can be different for each controlled object.
• When executing the movements of the various hyperdexteroussurgical tools300, thecontrol system400 may maintain one or more constraints. Constraints may be a physical or a derived parameter such as distance, velocity, force, tension, and/or radius. Thecontrol system400 may apply one or more constraints to the motion of one or more hyperdexteroussurgical tools300. Constraints may be different for each controlled object. For example, the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 locked to a single tool may be subjected to different constrains. Each hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 may have an independent constraint.
• In some embodiments, two hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 can be constrained to move together. Theoperator1, such as the surgeon, can lock one or more of the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 to a single tool. All of the locked hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 would follow the single tool. In other words, all of the locked hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 would move substantially in unison (e.g. at the same time) as the single tool is controlled by theoperator1 and moved from place to place. Conceptually, this lock step motion can be thought of as a virtual tether holding the relative positions of the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 constant and moving the set of hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 in unison.
• The concept of locking one or more hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 to a single tool applies equally to whether the single tool is a hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 or amanual tool350. For one or more hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 to follow themanual tool350, themanual tool350 can be tracked in space for translation and rotation. This type of configuration where one or more hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 follows themanual tool350 may be useful when theoperator1, such as a surgeon, wants to move large distances within the work space. The concept of locking may also advantageously avoid collisions between the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300,manual tools350 and/or the anatomy of thepatient2.
• It may not be necessary to lock all the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 to a single tool. In some embodiments, theoperator1 can choose to lock some (but not all) of the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 to a single tool and leave some hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 unlocked, and in place. For example thecamera304 may be in a good position but the other hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 such as graspers may need to be moved to a different location. The other hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 such as graspers can be locked, so as to follow the single hyperdexteroussurgical tool300, but thecamera304 can remain in place. The need for moving all or some of the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 in unison may arise if theoperator1 needs to operate on another section of the body distant from the current section undergoing surgical intervention.
• In some embodiments, the one or more hyperdexterous surgical tools may be locked to a single hyperdexterous surgical tool or a single manual tool through the use of thedisplay600.FIG. 40 shows a screen shot that may be displayed on thedisplay600. Other screen layouts are possible. Thedisplay600 enables theoperator1 such as a surgeon to lock one or more of the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300. The top portion of the screen shot shows theinput devices500 and the controllable objects, such as hyperdexteroussurgical tools300.FIG. 40 shows five hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 includingcamera304. Themanual tool350 is also shown.FIG. 40 shows twoinput devices500, awireless controller520, and awireless controller522. Depending on the tools, including all hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 and allmanual tools350 in communication with thecontrol system400, thedisplay600 displays the appropriate icons. Thewireless controller520 is connected to the controllable object,Tool1. Thewireless controller522 is not connected to a controllable object.
• The bottom portion of the screen shot ofFIG. 40 shows locking options. Any controllable object controlled by an input device may not appear on the list. For instance, sinceTool1 is being controlled by thewireless controller520, thedisplay600 does not displayTool1 in the set of tools that can be locked. The selected controllable objects, such as one or more hyperdexteroussurgical tools300, can be selected by the user to be locked. For instance,Tools2 and3 are selected to be locked, whileTools4 and5 are unselected. Thedisplay600 can highlight the selected entries, as shown inFIG. 40. The hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 that have been selected to be locked are shown in white whereas the others are shown in black. On the bottom portion of the screen shot, thedisplay600 displays the options for the single tool. The single tool is followed by the one or more locked hyperdexteroussurgical tools300. For instance, themanual tool350 is selected to be the single tool, whileTool1 controlled by thewireless controller522 is unselected. Thedisplay600 can highlight the selected entries, as shown inFIG. 40. In this example,Tool2 andTool3 are locked to themanual tool350, but other configurations are possible.
• In some embodiments, the movement of the single tool may be controlled by smaller hand gestures rather than larger movements associated with the set of tools. For instance, the single tool may beTool1, controlled by thewireless controller522. Thewireless controller522 may be worn by theoperator1, as described above. For instance, one or more fingers of the operator's hand may have sensors affixed or otherwise attached. A specific movement of the hand or of the fingers may move the single tool. The one or more hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 that are locked will move according to the movement of the single tool, as described above.
• Theoperator1 such as a surgeon may engage or disengage the selected hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 from actively following the single tool. The operator can utilize the clutch112, such as a foot pedal. For example, when the clutch112 is depressed, the selected hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 will follow the single tool. When the clutch112 is released, the selected hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 will stop moving and remain in place. This feature may advantageously allow the operator to reposition his or her arms much like computer users reposition a computer mouse by lifting the mouse and placing it in a more comfortable position.
• The following three constraints provide examples of additional constraints that may be imposed. Constant tension of the gripped object is maintained. The ratio of motion of the hand to the motion of the hyperdexterous surgical tools is 1:10, meaning that when the hand moves 10 cm, the tools move 1 cm. Thecamera tool304 is rotated about a fulcrum instead of translated linearly.
• Thecontrol system400 can apply a constraint to a hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. For instance, thecontrol system400 can adjust the position of one hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 in order to apply a constant tension to the tissue held by the set of hyperdexteroussurgical tools300. These constraints provide useful ways to control the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300. Constraints may be applied relative to themanual tool350 as well. Other constraints can be applied in addition to, or in place of, those described above. Thecontrol system400 can apply a constraint between the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 and thecamera304. Thecontrol system400 can establish position, speed or force constraints between one or more hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 and thecamera304.
• InFIGS. 38A-B, two hyperdexteroussurgical tools300, such as grippers, are shown on either side of a tissue outgrowth. The hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 are at acertain distance308 as shown inFIG. 38. When the outgrowth is removed, the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 may need to be repositioned. For instance, the tissue may need to be held at a higher tension since the outgrowth is no longer pulling the tissue. The hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 are now at adistance310, which may be greater thandistance308. Thecontrol system400 may control the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 so that certain parameters of the surgery may be maintained. For instance, in this example, thecontrol system400 may control the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 so that the tissue is in constant tension.
• If multiple tools are used in the hyperdexteroussurgical system100, then any set of two or more tools may be controlled as a rigid body. For example, the set of hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 may be controlled such that the tissue is manipulated as a rigid body and is tracked by thecamera304. The rigid body effect may be achieved when thecontrol system400 calculates and applies appropriate tension through the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 to the tissue. The calculations may be in real time and be dynamic. This may assist in maintaining the rigid body effect, for instance if the section of tissue is in motion due to controlling motions of the surgeon.
Frame of Reference, Visual Cues
• Thecontrol system400 advantageously allows theoperator1 to control the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 and/or themanual tools350 naturally. There are at least two interconnected pieces that allow natural and effective control: visual cues and moving in frames of reference that are natural to the human body and easily processed by the human brain. The brain can easily understand frames of references associated with a person's wrist. Thecontrol system400 advantageously provides theoperator1 with visual cues related to the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 and/ormanual tools350, which enable the operator to better understand the frames of reference associated with the movement of the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 and/ormanual tools350.
Frame of References
• As discussed above, the human brain can easily understand movement if the frames of references are coupled to the wrist. With reference toFIGS. 41A-41D, the brain understands that in order to reach the objects, the wrists must be moved toward the object. The brain understands which way to move the wrist based on the orientation of the wrist.
• InFIG. 41A and 41C, a left hand and a right hand of anoperator1 such as a surgeon is shown. The direction of motion of the hands is shown on each figure. Each hand moves toward an object. The left hand moves fromPosition1 toPosition2, toward Object A. The right hand moves fromPosition1 toPosition2, toward Object B. A frame of reference is placed on each wrist. The orientation of the frame of reference is indicated by the pointed end of the icon representing the frame of reference. Theimaginary observer802 would be standing on the circle in the middle of the frame of reference icon. In other words, theimaginary observer802 would be looking in the direction of the pointed end of the icon, in the direction of the arrow.
• FIGS. 41A and 41C indicate the motion and the frame of reference for each hand.FIGS. 41B and 41D indicate how the motion is perceived by theimaginary observer802 placed as explained above The left hand moves fromPosition1 toPosition2, toward Object A. The right hand moves fromPosition1 toPosition2, toward Object B. A frame of reference is placed on each wrist.
• InFIG. 41A, both hands are oriented the same way, so both hands must move forward to reach the objects. InFIG. 41A, the frames of reference for each imaginary observer802 (one on each wrist) are oriented the same way. In other words, the frames of references are aligned.
• FIG. 41B illustrates how the objects will appear to theseimaginary observers802. Bothimaginary observers802 see substantially the same images. AtPosition1, the Objects A and B, the circle and the triangle, are a distance away from theimaginary observers802. AtPosition2, the Objects A and B, the circle and the triangle, are closer to theimaginary observers802. Theimaginary observer802 on the right wrist is closer to the Object B, the triangle. Theimaginary observer802 on the left wrist is closer to the Object A, the circle.
• InFIG. 41C, the left hand is perpendicular to the right hand. The right hand must move forward to reach the objects. The left hand must move toward the left to reach the objects. InFIG. 41C, the frames of reference for each imaginary observer802 (one on each wrist) are not oriented the same way. The frame of reference for the left hand is rotated 90° with respect to the frame of reference on the right hand. Although theFIG. 41C shows frames of reference that are rotated 90° to each other, any other orientation in a three-dimensional space is possible.
• FIG. 41D illustrates how the objects will appear to theseimaginary observers802. Bothimaginary observers802 see a different image. To the imaginary observer on the right wrist, the Objects A and B are in front of the viewer. To the imaginary observer on the left wrist, the Objects A and B are to the left of the viewer. AtPosition1, the Objects A and B, the circle and the triangle, are a distance away from theimaginary observers802. AtPosition2, the Objects A and B, the circle and the triangle, are closer to theimaginary observers802.
• InFIGS. 41A-41D, the operator is provided with visual cues. The operator can see the Objects A and B. Theoperator1 can see his hands. When theoperator1 is manipulating the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 and/ormanual tools350 within the patient's body, theoperator1 could benefit from receiving visual cues related to the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 and/ormanual tools350. The visual cues can enable the operator to better understand the frames of reference associated with the movement of the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300. As mentioned herein, hyperdexteroussurgical system100 enables theoperator1 to control hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 andmanual tools350 simultaneously. For example, as a non-limiting example, theoperator1 can control a hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 such as a gripper with the left hand and themanual tool350 such as a stapler with the right hand. Thecontrol system400 can allow theoperator1 to manipulate each tool in an independent frame ofreference800. Thecontrol system400 can include a control algorithm to translate the motions of the operator (e.g., motions controlling the input device500) into movements in the correct frame of reference.
• Referring now toFIG. 42A, theoperator1 is manipulating the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 and themanual tool350 within the body of the patient.FIG. 42A shows theoperator1 controlling the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 with his or her left hand and themanual tool350 with his or her right hand. Both the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 and/ormanual tools350 are within the body and obstructed from the operator's view.
• Themanual tool350 may dictate the position of theoperator1 relative to thepatient2. The design of themanual tool350 will dictate the position of the hand controlling themanual tool350. Theoperator1 may want to control the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 from substantially the same position with his or her other hand.
• The frame of reference associated with the operator's left hand controlling the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 may be rotated with respect to the frame of reference associated with the operator's right hand controlling the manual tool. As shown inFIG. 42A, the frame of reference for the right hand is rotated 90° with respect to the frame of reference for the left hand (opposite configuration of that shown inFIG. 41A).
• The frames of reference are placed on each wrist. Two orthogonal pairs of arrows are shown on each wrist to illustrate how the objects will appear to theimaginary observers802. On the right wrist, the letters “RR” indicate that this direction is the right side of the operator's right wrist, or what appears to be the right side to theimaginary observer802. The letters “LR” indicate the right side of the operator's left wrist, or what appears to be the right side to theimaginary observer802. Bothimaginary observers802 see a different image. The camera304 (with the lens inside the body) sees both themanual tool350 and the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 that are inside the body.
• To manipulate themanual tool350, theoperator1 may move the right hand and may use the right wrist in the frame of reference as shown. The right hand is illustrated at a 90° angle to the right arm, and at a 90° angle to the left hand. The operator can manipulated each tool in an independent frame of reference. Themanual tool350 can be manipulated with respect to a frame of reference associated with the right wrist and the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 can be manipulated with respect to the left wrist.
• FIG. 42A shows aninput device500 affixed to the left hand. Theoperator1 can use theinput device500 to control a hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 such as the grasper. The camera304 (with the lens inside the body) will show the motion of the grasper and/or end effector of the grasper on thedisplay702. In the illustrated embodiment, theoperator1 is standing beside thepatient2 facing thepatient2 and has his or her head facing the display702 (e.g., facing straight ahead along Arrow B). Thecontrol system400 can show on the display a natural perspective of the surgery. For instance, a rightward motion of the left hand may be shown as a rightward motion of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 as presented on thedisplay702. Thecontrol system400 can use the position of theinput devices500, the position of thecamera304, the position of theoperator1, and/or the position of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 to orient the image on thedisplay600,702. Thecontrol system400 can calculate the motion of the end effector of the grasper. Thecontrol system400 can orient the image of thecamera304 on thedisplay600,702. For instance, thecontrol system400 can orient the image such that a rightward motion of the left wrist is seen as a rightward motion of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300.
• The control of themanual tool350 with the operator's right hand may be in a frame of reference associated with the operator's right wrist. The control of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 with the operator's left hand may be in a frame of reference association with the operator's left wrist. This frame of reference of the left wrist may be an independent frame of reference from the frame of reference of the right wrist. Regardless the angle of the operator's right wrist and right hand, the human brain can recognize right, left, up and down relative to the right wrist and hand.
• The two frames of reference may be completely independent, partially aligned, or the completely aligned. In some embodiments, the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 may move in a frame of reference aligned with the surgical target. Both themanual tool350 and the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 may move with respect to the surgical target to allow consistent movement of themanual tool350 and the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. It is to be noted that in all these examples, the frame of reference of themanual tool350 may or may not be aligned to the frame of reference of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. Each situation will have its unique advantages in how the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 and themanual tools350 are controlled.
• When controlling multiple tools in independent frames of reference, different combination of tools may be utilized. The operator may control the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 and themanual tool350, or two or more hyperdexteroussurgical tools300, or two or moremanual tools350. Theoperator1 may manipulate one or more hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 with each hand, as opposed to controlling themanual tool350 and the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 as described above.
• The human brain is also capable of readily comprehending and coordinating the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 with themanual tool350, in order to use the two tools together. The brain is able to coordinate movement despite the different frames of reference. InFIG. 42A, theoperator1 is holding themanual tool350, such as a stapler, with the right hand and theinput device500 with the left hand.
Visual Cues
• The human brain is capable of determining how to move themanual tool350 and the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 with adequate information. This information should enable the user to naturally understand the movement of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. Thecontrol system400 advantageously provides such visual cues to the operator1 (e.g., surgeon), for example, by orienting images presented to the operator or varying the information provided in said images (e.g., illustrating at least a portion of the body of thepatient2 to help theoperator1 understand the orientation of the tools) to facilitate natural control of the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300. In this manner, thecontrol system400 can enable natural control of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 from any location of theoperator1.
• FIG. 42B shows the view of thedisplay702. Thedisplay702 can provide images captured bycamera304, shown inFIG. 42A. A rightward motion of the left hand along the direction of Arrow A is shown inFIG. 42A. The relative orientation of the tools can augment the operator's1 understanding of the workspace. Thedisplay702 can represent themanual tools350 and the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 in same environment. However, an image other than the camera image, such as an image of the orientation of the patient relative to thetools300,350, may augment the operator's1 understanding of the motion of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 and/or manual tool within the body of the patient.
• Thecontrol system400 may orient the camera image on thedisplay600,702. Thedisplays600,702 can show both themanual tool350 and the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. Thecontrol system400 may orient the camera image relative to the frame of reference of the operator's wrist. Thecontrol system400 may determine the direction of the motion relative to the operator's wrist and present the image of the movement in the same direction. For example, inFIG. 42A, theoperator1 moves his left hand along arrow A. The operator moves his left hand toward the right.
• As shown inFIG. 42B, thecontrol system400 can orient the image of thecamera304 such that the image presented on thedisplay702 matches the direction of the movement. When presented on thedisplay702, the motion of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 is along the original direction, rightward. From the point of view of the camera, this motion may be leftward or angled. Thecontrol system400 can display the motion of the of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 such that theoperator1 is able to understand the motion naturally. By looking at thedisplay702, theoperator1 can coordinate the rightward movement of theinput device500 with the rightward motion of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300.
• The orientation of the image on thedisplay600,702 may assist with the use of hyperdexterous tools or manual tools that rotate about the fulcrum. The motion of the distal end of the manual tool350 (the section furthest away from the hand) may move in the opposite direction relative to the hand. In other words, if the right hand is manipulating the stapler about a fulcrum, then a rightward motion of the handle of the stapler will translate to a leftward motion of the distal end of the stapler. By providing visual cues, the hyperdexteroussurgical system100 may enable natural use of hyperdexterous tools or manual tools that rotate about the fulcrum.
• Thecontrol system400 can enable natural control of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 from any location of theoperator1 via the images presented to theoperator1 as discussed herein. During the course of the procedure, theoperator1 may need to move about the operating area. Themanual tool350 may dictate the location of theoperator1. Thecontrol system400 can present images based on the point of view of theoperator1, regardless of the operator's location.
• The position ofoperator1 may be tracked. The image can be updated to be consistent with the point of view of theoperator1. The image can be calculated based on the location of theoperator1, particularly in the zoomed out view. Tracking of theoperator1 may be accomplished by using one of various technologies such as but not limited to affixing sensors to theoperator1, or by using an optical localization system. The hyperdexterous surgical system can have a global tracker that tracks theoperator1.
• The location of theoperator1 can be an input into thecontrol system400. Thecontrol system400 computes and presents images from the point view of theoperator1. In order words, thedisplay600,702 can show what anatomy or tools theoperator1 would be seeing from that location. As theoperator1 moves around, the image presented on thedisplay600,702 would be based on the position of theoperator1. The computation and presentation of the images based on the operator's location may augment the operator's understanding of the anatomy and allow the operator to more easily interact with bothmanual tools350 and the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300.
• The coordinate conversion can be associated with the proximal end (e.g., laparoscopic tools) or the distal end (e.g., end effectors). Thecontrol system400 may present images of the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 and themanual tools350 in independent coordinate systems. As mentioned previously, the coordinate system of theinput device500 can be different than the coordinate system of the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300. The image on thedisplay600,702 can show the motion of the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 in the coordinate system of the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300.
• FIG. 42C shows another example of an arrangement of the tools, thedisplay702, and theoperator1. Thedisplay702 is shown off to the left of theoperator1. Theoperator1 is standing beside thepatient2 facing thepatient2 but has his or her head turned towards the display702 (along Arrow C). The frame of references of each hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 is associated with each wrist of theoperator1. Thecontrol system400 can enable natural control of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 from any location of thedisplay702. Thedisplay702 can present visual cues to enable the operator to understand the motion of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 and the manual tools. Regardless of the orientation of thedisplay702, the control system can orient this image to augment the operator's understanding. Thecontrol system400 can show on the display702 a natural perspective of the surgery regardless of the positioning of thedisplay702. The association of the frames of reference with the wrists maintains the intuitiveness of control.
• Thedisplays600,702 can show the same image or different images. Thedisplay600 can provide an input to the system, as described herein. Thedisplays600,702 can show multiple images on a single screen.
• Thedisplay600,702 may show different types of association between the motion of theinput device500 and the motion of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. There may be, in some embodiments, a 1:1 relationship between the hand motion, the tool motion, and the motion shown on the display. Other relationships are possible. Thedisplay600,702 may show inverse motion to the direction of the hand motion and the tool motion, such that the motion is shown in reverse. Thedisplay600,702 may show motion skewed at an angle to the direction of the hand motion and the tool motion. Thedisplay600,702 may show any orientation with respect to the frame of reference associated with the wrist.
• The wrists are mentioned only as an example of an object which the frame of a reference may be associated with. The frame of reference can be affixed to any portion of the operator's body, the patient, objects in the work space, objects in the operating arena, the display, the hyperdexterous surgical tools, the camera the hyperdexterous surgical arms, or any other object. However, affixing the frame of reference to sections of the operator's body, including the forearm, wrist, hand, and head may facilitate control of the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 in a natural manner.
• As discussed herein, the hyperdexteroussurgical system100 advantageously allows theoperator1 to control the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 from a variety of frames of references. For example, theoperator1 can control the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 from a frame of reference of thecamera304 in the workspace, inside the body. Theoperator1 can map the movements of his hand to the movement of the hyperdexterous surgical tool in the frame of reference of thecamera304. This view can be limiting for large motions or motions where it is more natural to move with respect to a frame of reference outside the body of the patient. Therefore, the hyperdexteroussurgical system100 allows the operator to dynamically change the frame of reference to another view. Theoperator1 can switch to a world-grounded frame of reference (e.g., a view of the operating arena and the patient) for one or more hyperdexteroussurgical tools300. The world-grounded frame of reference may be helpful for large motions and/or when one or more hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 are locked to a single tool, as described herein. The world-grounded frame of reference may be helpful when moving one or more hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 to a new location relative to the patient. The world-grounded frame of reference may be helpful when theoperator1 repositions himself relative to the patient and/or switch which hands control theinput device500 based on his new position. Theoperator1 can control thecamera304 and present images on thedisplay600,702 of the world-grounded frame of reference. The hyperdexteroussurgical system100 allows the operator to dynamically change the frame of reference to back to the frame of reference of thecamera304.
• In some embodiments, the frames of reference may be in motion. As a non-limiting example, a frame of reference may be attached to amanual tool350 that may be in the process of being moved. Thecontrol system400 may lock one or more hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 to themanual tool350, such that the set of tools moves together. The concept of locking is described herein. Thedisplay600,702 may show a frame of reference associated with the moving tools and may provide assurance that the set of tools is moving as a group as intended.
• A frame of reference may be established based on the position of theoperator1 when the clutch112 is initially engaged. When the clutch112 is engaged, theinput device500 can control one or more hyperdexteroussurgical tools300. When the clutch112 is disengaged, thecontrol system400 can store this reference frame. When the clutch112 is engaged again, the one or more hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 move with respect to the same reference frame established earlier.
• In some embodiments when the clutch112 is engaged again, a new reference frame is established based on the new position of theoperator1. Theoperator1 may decide whether to use the frame of reference established in the prior engagement of the clutch112 or to use a new frame of reference. The engagement of the clutch112 may establish one or more frames of reference. Only one frame of reference may be established by thecontrol system400 if theoperator1 is only using oneinput device500. However, if theoperator1 is using twoinput devices500, then two frames of references may be established by the clutch112. The frames of reference may be associated with each wrist and may be aligned, partially aligned or independent.
• The right hand and the left hand of theoperator1 can manipulate objects in two different frames of reference. The objects can be dissimilar in size, shape or function. The hyperdexteroussurgical system100 allows simultaneous control of amanual tool350 and a hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. Theoperator1 is provided with enough cues regarding the constraints on themanual tool350 and/or the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 to enable this simultaneous control. Theoperator1 is provided with enough cues regarding the frames of reference of themanual tool350 and/or the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 to enable this simultaneous control. Thecontrol system400 of the hyperdexteroussurgical system100 advantageously allows the motion of the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 and/or manual tools in various frames of reference. This ability may be very useful during the combined use of themanual tools350 and the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300.
Sources of Visual Cues
• One source of information is visual cues as seen by theoperator1, either through observing the operating arena or thedisplays600,702. Additional information can augment the operator's understanding of the motion of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 and themanual tool350. The visual cues can be supplied by the control system and shown on thedisplays600,702.
• One source of information is visual cues as seen by theoperator1 through observing the operating arena. From the operator's location, the operator can see the set-up of the operating arena. Theoperator1 can see the orientation of his body, including his hands, relative to the patient. Theoperator1 can see the location that the tools enter the body. In other words a surgeon may use objects around him or her such as thebed102, thepatient2, his or her hands as cues to understand the position of thetools300,350 in relation to the anatomy. The surgeon can manipulate the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 or themanual tool350 consistent with that understanding.
• One source of information is visual cues is images presented on thedisplay600,702. Thecontrol system400 can compute and present images relevant to the operator's understanding of the procedure. The images can enable theoperator1 to see the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300, themanual tools350, and/or the patient's anatomy. The images can originate from one or more visualization components of the hyperdexteroussurgical system100. These components include one ormore cameras304, which can be controlled by thecontrol system400. Thecamera304 can be considered a hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 and moved by a hyperdexterousrobotic arm200 to provide images to theoperator1. For instance,multiple cameras304 may be deployed. Eachcamera304 may acquire images of a different section of the anatomy. In some embodiments, millimeter-sized cameras304 are placed onto each trocar tip. In some embodiments, thecontrol system400 and/or the visualization components perform real-time 3D reconstruction of the environment both internal and external to thepatient2. Thecontrol system400 and/or the visualization components can integrate prior imaging of the patients, such as prior x-rays and CT scans. Information from sources can be blended to give more complete information to theoperator1. Thevisualization system700 may provide theoperator1 the freedom to view the work space from various sources.
• The images can be viewed on the one ormore displays600,702. Thedisplay600 may be configured to receive feedback from theoperator1, as described herein. The images can be viewed on the one or more immersive consoles704. The hyperdexteroussurgical system100 allows theoperator1 to move around and place him or herself in the most optimal position in relation to thepatient2 for the procedure. During the procedure, the operator1 (e.g., surgeon) may reposition himself or herself. The one ormore displays600,702 allow theoperator1 to view the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300, themanual tools350, and/or the patient's anatomy from multiple locations. The image on thedisplay600,702 may be updated based on the location of theoperator1.
• The image shown on thedisplay600,702 may be dependent on the type of manipulations being performed. For example, if theoperator1 is doing delicate suturing, a zoomed in view of the anatomy and the tools may be shown on thedisplay600,702. This view may be obtained directly from thecamera304. If the operator now wants to move to a different part of the body, gross motions of the tools are required, a zoomed out view may be shown on thedisplay600,702. In other words, the zooming factor can adapt to the motion. The zooming function may be accomplished automatically by thecontrol system400 based at least in part on the type of motion being performed. The zooming function may also be initiated by theoperator1. The zoom levels may be changed using theinput devices500, such as by using gestures to zoom in or zoom out. Other ways of changing zoom levels are possible, such as attaching manual devices such as thumbwheels on theinput device500 where the operator can move the thumbwheel to change the zoom level. Other ways include providing buttons or slide bars on thedisplay702 or thedisplay600.
• During zooming operations, the transition between images can be smooth and seamless. As the images zoom out, fewer anatomical details may be displayed. The control system may change the image feed, such as change from thecamera304 within thepatient1 to the feed fromcamera304 mounted outside the patient's body. Other sources of data for the zoomed out view are discussed below.
• In some embodiments, a virtual camera706 (seeFIG. 43) may be created thus enabling target visualization from various points of view. Thevirtual camera706 creates an image from any point of view. Thevirtual camera706 may be associated with the point of view of any of the multiple controllable objects present around the work space. Thevirtual camera706 may be associated with the point of view of theoperator1 such as the surgeon. As theoperator1 moves around, thevisualization system700 adjusts to the current point of view of the operator. Thevirtual camera706 can create an image using multiple sources, as described herein.
• In some embodiments, thevirtual camera706 may be associated with thecamera tool304. Theoperator1 such as a surgeon may choose to adjust the position of thecamera304 during surgery, therefore adjusting thevirtual camera706. Therefore, thedisplay600,702 will be updated as thecamera304 moves.
• FIG. 43 shows an example of how avirtual camera706 may be adjusted by theoperator1 such as a surgeon during surgery. Theoperator1 can be tracked if he or she is wearing a tracking device. If the view of thecamera304 is inverted to that of theoperator1, thecontrol system400 can recognize the position of theoperator1 and invert thevirtual camera706 on thedisplay600,702 to better reflect the point of view of theoperator1. As theoperator1 moves to be aligned with thecamera304, thecontrol system400 can recognize the position of theoperator1 and reflect the true image of thecamera304. Images may be inverted, rotated, and left-right flipped on thedisplay600,702 to reflect the viewpoint of the tracked objects, such as theoperator1, or controllable objects such as hyperdexteroussurgical arms200 and/or hyperdexteroussurgical tools300. As another example, thedisplay600 may display sliders or buttons to change the position of thevirtual camera706 so that theoperator1 such as a surgeon may choose the most appropriate view.
• Various camera parameters may be controlled and adjusted to enhance the image from thevirtual camera706. As a non-limiting example, the zoom function may be adjusted. For example, if large scale motions are desired, the image on thedisplay600,702 may be zoomed out. As theoperator1 such as a surgeon maneuvers the tools for the large scale motion, the image on thedisplay600,702 can zoom in and out to view the work space. This can be done automatically. The camera parameters such as angle and zoom may be adjusted using hand motions, for instance if thevirtual camera706 is controlled by aninput device500. Theinput device500, such as sensors attached to the hand or wireless controllers, allow theadvanced visualization system700 to recognize a pattern of motion and perform functions such as change virtual angle and zoom.
• The hyperdexteroussurgical system100 may havemultiple displays600,702. Depending on the zoom levels, thecontrol system400 may display different images on eachdisplay600,702, each with different parameters such as different camera angle. This may allow anoperator1, such as a surgeon and/or a surgical assistant, to operate simultaneously on the patient and each refer to thedisplay600,702 which presents the most natural point of view of the surgical work space relative to each person's location. This could be useful for example if an assistant is located close to the patient's legs and the primary surgeon is located at the patient's side. The assistant'sdisplay702 would show the anatomy and tools from the point of view of the assistant, and the surgeon'sdisplay702 would show the anatomy and tools from the point of view of the surgeon.
• The parameters such as camera angle and the perspective of the images shown in eachdisplay600,702 may be dependent on one or more parameters including the position and orientation of thepatient2, the position and orientation of thedisplay600,702, the position and orientation of the observer of the images such as theoperator1. This implies that thecontrol system400 has knowledge of the location and orientation of the various objects, such as thedisplay600,702, theoperator1, and thepatient2. If such knowledge is not available, such as not knowing where theoperator1 is located, thecontrol system400 will calculate the images without that parameter.
• As theoperator1 standing by the bedside looks at thepatient2 and subsequently looks up or towards thedisplay600,702, he or she may find it useful to navigate the anatomy or tools in a zoomed out view. The zoomed out view may be created with data from various sources. These sources may include live data fromcameras304 attached in one or multiple locations around hyperdexteroussurgical system100 and/or attached to one or more hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. These sources may include pre-operative imaging data such as MRI or CT data or models of the anatomy. For example, the process of zooming out may start with displaying the images of the detailed internal anatomy as seen by acamera304, which may be inside the patient's body placed through a port. As the zoom factor decreases (i.e. the camera is zoom out), the entire organ is displayed. As the zoom factor is decreased further, the point of view may move outside the body and may show the outside of the patient's body mixed in with a rendering of the internal organs. This concept is illustrated inFIG. 44.
• Starting withFIG. 44A, a zoomed in view of a section of the esophagus and the entry into the stomach (the gastro-esophageal opening) is illustrated. This is a typical site for bariatric surgery where the stomach is bypassed. InFIG. 44B, the outline of the stomach and some parts of the esophagus is shown. The image shown inFIG. 44B is zoomed out with respect toFIG. 44A. InFIG. 44C, the stomach, esophagus is shown in relation to the whole body. The level of zoom can be adjusted to enable the surgeon to understand how best to manipulate the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 and/or themanual tools350. If theoperator1 only needs to visualize the end effectors, for instance for precise and small motion, then a “zoomed in” image such as inFIG. 44A may be useful. If theoperator1 wants to reposition the tools and use a different angle of approach to the anatomy, then an image such asFIG. 44C may be useful during the process of repositioning.
• The hyperdexteroussurgical system100 enables a user to move from a zoomed in view inside the patient to a zoomed out view outside of the patient. The surgeon can move to new position when the image is in the zoomed out view. Theoperator1 may find it easier to reposition himself relative to the patient in the zoomed out view. From this position, theoperator1 can zoom in to see the tools inside the body, as viewed from his new position. In some embodiments, theoperator1 can disengage theinput device500 before he repositions himself Theoperator1 can engage theinput device500 after he repositions himself In some embodiments, theoperator1 can switch which hands control theinput device500 based on the new position.
• The rendering of the internal organs may be a combination of various sources of data. These sources include actual, real-time images as seen by cameras or other visualization devices. These sources can include three-dimensional model data of the organs generated from the stereoscopic laparoscopic camera feed over the course of the surgery. These sources can include pre-operative data from MRI, CT or other imaging modality. The model may be corrected and enhanced as new data from a real-time source, such as thecamera304, becomes available. The corrected model could be then displayed.
• Thecontrol system400 may categorize the data into various classes such as, but not limited to, real time data (from the cameras304), model data, pre-op data, stale data (specifically data fromcamera304 that was taken prior to the current moment in time). Each type of data may be displayed differently in the blended image. For example, the stale data may be blended in with a shade of yellow indicating caution must be used in using that specific part of the data as it appears in the image. In another example, the model data may be blended in with a shade of red indicating extreme caution must be used in using that specific data as it appears in the image. This type of categorization and display may serve as warnings and reminders to the surgeon as he or she maneuvers the tools inside a patient's body while looking at images on thedisplay600,702.
• As the zoom factor and/or the point of view are adjusted, thecontrol system400 may change the relationship between the motion of the operator1 (the controlling motion) and the motion of the hyperdexterous surgical tools300 (the controlled motion). As an example, in the zoomed in view, thecontrol system400 may scale the motion of the hands in such a way that only small and precise motions are possible with large motions of the hand. As the images are zoomed out, the scaling between the controlling motion and the controlled motion may change, for instance such that, in some embodiments, there is a 1:1 relationship between the two. Other aspects may change according to the zoom factor such as the location of the virtual grip and the control points.
• FIG. 45 shows an image as view on thedisplay702. Thedisplay600 and/or display702 can display features of the operating arena. Thedisplay600 and/or display702 can depict an image of one or more hyperdexteroussurgical arms200, one or more hyperdexteroussurgical tool300, one or moremanual tool350, thepatient2, the fixture (e.g., the bed), theoperator1, etc. Thedisplay600 and/or display702 can depict the control points of the hyperdexteroussurgical system100
• Thedisplay600 and/ordisplay702 may show the constraints of the hyperdexteroussurgical system100. For instance, thedisplay600,702 may show the location of a fulcrum of amanual tool350. Thedisplay600,702 can present the constraint to augment the operator's understanding. For instance, thedisplay600,702 may show the location of avirtual grip512 of a hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. Thedisplay600,702 can present the constraint to augment the operator's understanding.
• Thedisplay600 and/ordisplay702 may show the control points of the hyperdexteroussurgical system100. The control points2600 are locations on the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 and the hyperdexteroussurgical tool200 which have the ability to move. Thecontrol system400 can cause movement aboutcontrol points2600 based upon an input of theoperator1 or a constraint. For instance, the input by theoperator1 effects the movement of the one or more sections that are connected to thecontrol point2600. Moving thecontrol point2600 causes the one or more sections of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 connected to thecontrol point2600 to move.
• The control points2600 can be moved via theinput device500. The movement of theinput device500 would cause movement of the selectedcontrol point2600. This would cause movement of the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 that is controlled by the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200. Thedisplay600 may be used to assign aninput device500 to aspecific control point2600.
• Control points2600 may be indicated in various ways including but not limited to colors, cross hairs, other icons in the display. The image of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 on thedisplay600,702 may be an actual camera image from one ormany cameras302 around the surgical site. The image of the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 on thedisplay600,702 may be a drawing.
An Embodiment of a Surgical Method
• In some embodiments, one or moremanual tools350 are used in conjunction with one or more hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 in the same work space. An example of amanual tool350 is a stapler354, seeFIG. 39. The stapler354 may be used in conjunction with the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300. The workflow when using both types of tools in a colon resection surgical procedure is shown inFIG. 39, which shows amethod5.FIG. 39 illustrates one method of using a hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 and amanual tool350. The method relates to holding the colon in a particular position and placing a staple line across the colon. The system includes a first grasper312, a second grasper314, acamera304, and a stapler354. The system includes twoinput devices500, a first controller516 and a second controller518.
• Instep10, theoperator1 may position thecamera304 by using any of theinput devices500. In some embodiments, theoperator1 connects an icon of theinput device500 with an icon of the controllable object such as thecamera304.
• Then, instep20, theoperator1 uses the first controller516, which is controlled by one hand of the operator, to move a controllable object, such as the first grasper312. The operator uses the first grasper312 to position and hold a section of the colon. The operator uses the clutch112 to disengage the controllable object, the first grasper312. The first grasper312 will remain in place. Theoperator1 can set first controller516 down.
• Further, in step30, theoperator1 can pick up the manual stapler354 with one hand. Theoperator1 can position the manual stapler354 and move the stapler354 to the targeted position, as seen by the positionedcamera304. Instep40, theoperator1 uses the second controller518, which is controlled by the hand not holding the stapler354. The second controller518 moves a second controllable object, such as the second grasper314. Theoperator1 uses the second grasper314 to position and hold a section of the colon. Then, instep50, theoperator1 manipulates the stapler354 and the second grasper314 to position the colon in the most optimal position to receive the staples. Finally, instep60, theoperator1 operates the manual stapler354 and the staples are delivered to the targeted location. This method illustrates how one or moremanual tools350 and one or more the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 may be used at the same time by thesame operator1 in the same work space. Theoperator1 may be standing by the patient at all times (e.g., at one or more, for example a plurality of, bedside locations) during this procedure. In some embodiments, theoperator1 could perform the first two steps, steps10 and20, remotely, such as from thecontroller514 remote from the patient.
• With hyperdexteroussurgical tools300, it is often difficult to convey the feeling of touch. Surgeons sometimes use touch to get better information about the anatomy. However, many surgeons prefer to touch the patent in certain situations. In some embodiments, themanual tool350 may be used to make contact with the tissue. This is done commonly with traditional surgery. The sensory input provided by using themanual tool350 may guide the surgeon's manipulations of the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300. Proxy devices such as force sensors and load cells can convey a feeling of pressure or touch through complex mechanisms to the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300. The pressure conveyed by the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300 to the operator (via the one ormore input devices500, such as by communicating a signal from a transmitter of thecontrol system400 to a receiver of the input device500) facilitates the understanding of the anatomy of thepatient2.
• Themanual tools350 may be used in other methods, in conjunction with the hyperdexteroussurgical tools300. For instance, the hyperdexteroussurgical arm200 may hold thetrocar302, as shown inFIG. 2. Themanual tool350 or the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 can be inserted through thetrocar302. This method of use may be beneficial for example when tissue needs to be held in place by themanual tool350 while the surgeon manipulates the other tools. In another example, in obese patients the manipulation of tools becomes difficult due to the body habitus; in these cases the manual tool or the hyperdexteroussurgical tool300 can be held or supported by the hyperdexteroussurgical arms200 to relieve the physical stress on theoperator1.
• In embodiments herein, the hyperdexterous surgical system is described as being coupled to a fixture. The hyperdexterous surgical system can be coupled to a bed, hospital bed, operating table, examination table, platform, floor, wall, cart, or dolly. Where the fixture is a cart or dolly, the fixture can be anchored to the floor. The fixture can be located within a medical office, a medical examiner's office, a hospital, a doctor's office, a clinical office, or any other location suitable for use of the hyperdexterous surgical system.
• Although described in certain embodiments in connection with surgical procedures, the hyperdexterous surgical system can be used in any appropriate manner. The hyperdexterous surgical system can be used in a method that manipulates hyperdexterous surgical tools for percutaneous insertion. The hyperdexterous surgical system described herein can be operated in non-percutaneous procedures (e.g., procedures that do not involve making incisions and inserting the hyperdexterous surgical tools percutaneously). For example, the hyperdexterous surgical system can be used to take skin biopsies. The hyperdexterous surgical system can be used for any surgery. The hyperdexterous surgical system can be used in any appropriate medical procedure. The hyperdexterous surgical system can be used in conjunction with living patients (e.g., surgery) or cadavers (e.g., autopsies). The embodiments described herein can be used in any appropriate manner. The hyperdexterous surgical arm can be used in manufacturing or assembly of products (e.g., on an assembly line, in a clean room, etc.).
• Although this disclosure has been described in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while several variations of the embodiments of the disclosure have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this disclosure, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the disclosure. For example, features described above in connection with one embodiment can be used with a different embodiment described herein and the combination still fall within the scope of the disclosure. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another in order to form varying modes of the embodiments of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the disclosure herein should not be limited by the particular embodiments described above. Accordingly, unless otherwise stated, or unless clearly incompatible, each embodiment of this invention may comprise, additional to its essential features described herein, one or more features as described herein from each other embodiment of the invention disclosed herein.
• Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.
• Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.
• Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in the processes illustrated and/or disclosed may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added. Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.
• For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.
• Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.
• Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.
• Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms “generally parallel” and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, 0.1 degree, or otherwise.
• The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments in this section or elsewhere in this specification, and may be defined by claims as presented in this section or elsewhere in this specification or as presented in the future. The language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to the examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive.

Claims (3)

What is claimed is:

1. A surgical system, comprising:

one or more electromechanical arms selectively coupleable to a fixture;

one or more electromechanical tools supported by the one or more electromechanical arms to define one or more electromechanical arm and tool assemblies; and

an electronic control system configured to electronically communicate with the one or more electromechanical arm and tool assemblies, the control system configured to control the operation of the one or more electromechanical arm and tool assemblies,

wherein the one or more electromechanical arm and tool assemblies are configured to couple to the fixture in a modular fashion to thereby allow multiple combinations of the one or more electromechanical arm and tool assemblies to be used during a surgical procedure as needed by the surgical procedure, thereby allowing for increased workspace outside a patient during a surgical procedure.

2. The surgical system ofclaim 1, wherein each of the one or more electromechanical arms have three degrees of freedom comprising a redundant roll mechanism proximate a base of the electromechanical arm, thus allowing the one or more electromechanical arm and tool assemblies to be moved away from a patient during the surgical procedure to thereby increase the workspace outside the patient.

3. The surgical system ofclaim 1, wherein each of the one or more electromechanical arm and tool assemblies are configured to achieve a desired position for the one or more electromechanical tools via two different poses of the one or more electromechanical arms to thereby provide greater access to a location on the patient.

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