Microrobotic Device to Offer an Alternative to the Standard Laparoscope

A microrobotic imaging and surgical device platform will reduce the complexity of minimally invasive surgical (MIS) procedures and improve patient outcomes.

The VisionTrackerOne microrobotic camera comprises a high resolution, high definition digital camera combined with robotic effecters, offering surgeons a fully integrated lighting platform with full pan, tilt, zoom, and surgical instrument tracking functionality. The platform is controlled by the surgeons through intuitive motions, and is designed to reduce the complexity of MIS procedures. The platform is stereoscopic, and the resulting imaging can be delivered in either a two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) format. The VisionTrackerOne is being developed by researchers at Columbia University Science & Technology Ventures (STV, New York, NY, USA) and EndoRobotics (New York, NY, USA; endoroboticsinc.com), which have entered into an exclusive license agreement to develop and commercialize the device.

Advantages of MIS approaches over open surgical procedures include reduced trauma from multiple small incisions compared to one large incision, better preservation of pulmonary function, quicker return of gastrointestinal function, and reduced stress response, leading to better preservation of immune function. Recent reports also document fewer incisional hernias and intestinal obstructions after MIS when compared to traditional open surgeries. However, only about 10% of all lung resections and fewer than 7% of colon resections in the United States are performed using laparoscopic techniques, since existing technology requires extensive training and significant dexterity to operate the equipment. The microrobotic platform could reduce these prerequisites.

Related Links:
EndoRobotics
Columbia University Science & Technology Ventures