A Single Port Surgical Robot System With Novel Elbow Joint Mechanism For High Force Transmission

Background: Despite its evident clinical benefits, single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) imposes inherent limitations of collision between external arms and inadequate triangulation because multiple instruments are inserted through a single port at the same time.Methods: A robot platform appropriate for SILS was developed wherein an elbowed instrument can be equipped to easily create surgical triangulation without the interference of robot arms. A novel joint mechanism for a surgical instrument actuated by a rigid link was designed for high torque transmission capability.Results: The feasibility and effectiveness of the robot was checked through three kinds of preliminary tests: payload, block transfer, and ex vivo test. Measurements showed that the proposed robot has a payload capability >15 N with 7 mm diameter.Conclusions: The proposed robot is effective and appropriate for SILS, overcoming inadequate triangulation and improving workspace and traction force capability.