A pilot ex vivo evaluation of a telerobotic system for transurethral intervention and surveillance.

Introduction: Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) and pathological staging are both standard surgical therapies for nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer and integral parts of the diagnostic evaluation and progression monitoring of all bladder tumors. We developed and tested a dexterous robot that can fit through a standard resectoscope for evaluation for possible en bloc resection of bladder tumors, especially tumors along the dome and anterior wall of the bladder.

Materials And Methods: Our dexterous robot uses a continuum (snake-like) mechanical architecture with three working channels through which a fiberscope, biopsy graspers, and a holmium laser were placed.

Evaluation of a Telerobotic System for Transnasal Surgery of the Larynx and Airways in Cadavers.

Objectives: Minimally invasive, transnasal endoscopic approaches to the larynx have been utilized but are limited by the precision and accuracy afforded to the surgeon. The objective of this study is to analyze the feasibility of a rapidly deployable telerobotic system for enabling transnasal microsurgery of the larynx and upper airways, specifically injection laryngoplasty.

Study Design: This is a feasibility study.

Design and performance evaluation of a minimally invasive telerobotic platform for transurethral surveillance and intervention.

Bladder cancer, a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, presents a unique opportunity for aggressive treatment due to the ease of transurethral accessibility. While the location affords advantages, transurethral resection of bladder tumors can pose a difficult challenge for surgeons encumbered by current instrumentation or difficult anatomic tumor locations. This paper presents the design and evaluation of a telerobotic system for transurethral surveillance and surgical intervention.