Surgical Navigation

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Summary Stanford researchers developed a method that estimates the position of a robotic surgical catheter for precise control. Data from the catheter's distal tip sensor are used to estimate the real time orientation and position of the base of the catheter's articulating region – giving surgeons more precise control during surgical navigation. Testing-task space control in a mock bronchoscopy showed a significant improvement over model-less and model-based control strategies. The method applies to minimally invasive procedures using robotic endoscopes and catheters. It is especially helpful in complex areas like the lungs and heart. More precise robotic control can reduce procedure variability and improve patient outcomes.   Applications Minimally invasive procedures using robotic endoscopes and catheters (e.g. bronchoscopies, colonoscopies, cardiac ablations, cranial aneurisms, etc.)   Advantages More accurate positioning - especially in more complicated areas like lungs and heart Reduces procedure variability (between physicians) Algorithm can improve procedure outcome and fine motor control in robots performing catheter positioning