Laparoscopic Tool with Enhanced Dexterity

Abstract

In the field of laparoscopic surgery there is room for improvement in tool technology. Development of robotic devices has led to sophisticated motion capabilities; however, these systems lack several desired functions seen in more simple purely mechanical devices. Surgeons therefore desire a laparoscopic tool that utilizes the advantages of robotic devices while retaining those seen in purely mechanical systems. These advantages are motion scaling, intuitive master/slave motion, force feedback, tremor reduction, and a minimum of four degrees of freedom. Based on analysis of current technology and customer requirements, our goal is to design and prototype a device with these capabilities.