Smart tissue anastomosis robot (STAR): a vision-guided robotics system for laparoscopic suturing.

This paper introduces the smart tissue anastomosis robot (STAR). Currently, the STAR is a proof-of-concept for a vision-guided robotic system featuring an actuated laparoscopic suturing tool capable of executing running sutures from image-based commands. The STAR tool is designed around a commercially available laparoscopic suturing tool that is attached to a custom-made motor stage and the STAR supervisory control architecture that enables a surgeon to select and track incisions and the placement of stitches.

In Situ Deposition of PLGA Nanofibers via Solution Blow Spinning.

Nanofiber mats and scaffolds have been widely investigated for biomedical applications. Commonly fabricated using electrospinning, nanofibers are generated ex situ using an apparatus that requires high voltages and an electrically conductive target. We report the use of solution blow spinning to generate conformal nanofiber mats/meshes on any surface in situ, utilizing only a commercial airbrush and compressed CO.