Abstract
In this article we present a new concept for computer-assisted colonoscopy based on a miniature robot capable of propelling itself semiautonomously along the colon. The miniature robot is designed to perform the same functions as current colonoscopy systems - i.e., visualization and tissue sampling for biopsy - and exploits an innovative inchworm-like locomotion principle based on adhering to the colon wall by vacuum suction. The miniature robot is connected by a thin and flexible umbilical cable to an external control unit; this unit provides pneumatic actuation signals in the appropriate sequence to the miniature robot, and information on the robot's functioning to the endoscopist, who can either teleoperate or directly supervise its operation. A prototype colonoscopy system using this robot has been fabricated and tested in vitro, with promising results. The proposed concept has strong potential for further development, since miniaturization and functional integration of instrumentation and tools, together with computer assistance, not only make colonoscopy more acceptable, but can also open up a wide range of new applications in endoluminal diagnosis, therapy, and surgery.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1-14 |
| Number of pages | 14 |
| Journal | Computer Aided Surgery |
| Volume | 4 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1999 |
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Keywords
- Colonoscopy
- Endoscopy
- Medical robotics
- Microengineering
- Microsystems
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
- Surgery
- Medicine (miscellaneous)
Cite this
Development and in vitro testing of a miniature robotic system for computer-assisted colonoscopy. / Dario, Paolo; Carrozza, Maria Chiara; Pietrabissa, Andrea.
In: Computer Aided Surgery, Vol. 4, No. 1, 1999, p. 1-14.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Development and in vitro testing of a miniature robotic system for computer-assisted colonoscopy
AU - Dario, Paolo
AU - Carrozza, Maria Chiara
AU - Pietrabissa, Andrea
PY - 1999
Y1 - 1999
N2 - In this article we present a new concept for computer-assisted colonoscopy based on a miniature robot capable of propelling itself semiautonomously along the colon. The miniature robot is designed to perform the same functions as current colonoscopy systems - i.e., visualization and tissue sampling for biopsy - and exploits an innovative inchworm-like locomotion principle based on adhering to the colon wall by vacuum suction. The miniature robot is connected by a thin and flexible umbilical cable to an external control unit; this unit provides pneumatic actuation signals in the appropriate sequence to the miniature robot, and information on the robot's functioning to the endoscopist, who can either teleoperate or directly supervise its operation. A prototype colonoscopy system using this robot has been fabricated and tested in vitro, with promising results. The proposed concept has strong potential for further development, since miniaturization and functional integration of instrumentation and tools, together with computer assistance, not only make colonoscopy more acceptable, but can also open up a wide range of new applications in endoluminal diagnosis, therapy, and surgery.
AB - In this article we present a new concept for computer-assisted colonoscopy based on a miniature robot capable of propelling itself semiautonomously along the colon. The miniature robot is designed to perform the same functions as current colonoscopy systems - i.e., visualization and tissue sampling for biopsy - and exploits an innovative inchworm-like locomotion principle based on adhering to the colon wall by vacuum suction. The miniature robot is connected by a thin and flexible umbilical cable to an external control unit; this unit provides pneumatic actuation signals in the appropriate sequence to the miniature robot, and information on the robot's functioning to the endoscopist, who can either teleoperate or directly supervise its operation. A prototype colonoscopy system using this robot has been fabricated and tested in vitro, with promising results. The proposed concept has strong potential for further development, since miniaturization and functional integration of instrumentation and tools, together with computer assistance, not only make colonoscopy more acceptable, but can also open up a wide range of new applications in endoluminal diagnosis, therapy, and surgery.
KW - Colonoscopy
KW - Endoscopy
KW - Medical robotics
KW - Microengineering
KW - Microsystems
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0032801026&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=0032801026&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1002/(SICI)1097-0150(1999)4:1<1::AID-IGS1>3.0.CO;2-J
DO - 10.1002/(SICI)1097-0150(1999)4:1<1::AID-IGS1>3.0.CO;2-J
M3 - Article
C2 - 10417826
AN - SCOPUS:0032801026
VL - 4
SP - 1
EP - 14
JO - Journal of image guided surgery
JF - Journal of image guided surgery
SN - 1092-9088
IS - 1
ER -