Evaluation of improved bi-manual endoscopic resection using a customizable 3D-printed manipulator system designed for use with standard endoscopes: a feasibility study using a porcine ex-vivo model.

A major drawback of endoscopic en-bloc resection technique is its inability to perform bimanual tasks. Although endoscopic platforms that enable bimanual tasks are commercially available, they are neither approved for various locations nor adaptable to specific patients and indications. Based on evolution of an adaptive 3D-printable platform concept, system variants with different characteristic properties were evaluated for ESD scenarios, ex-vivo in two locations in the stomach and colorectum.

Evaluation of long-term stability of monolithic 3D-printed robotic manipulator structures for minimally invasive surgery.

Purpose: In the era of patient-centered medicine, clinical procedures, tools and instruments should be individually adapted to the patient. In this context, the presented 3D-printed Single-Port Overtube Manipulator System follows the aims to provide patient- and task-specific disposable manipulators for minimally invasive surgery. In a first experiment, the robustness of the monolithic flexure hinge structures in use as robotic manipulators will be investigated.