UC Case No. 2015-900
SUMMARY:
UCLA researchers have developed a multi-component system and method for performing robot-assisted manipulation of bone and soft tissues for orthopedic surgical procedures.
BACKGROUND:
In orthopedic surgery, common types of procedures include fixation of bone and soft tissues as well as reconstruction of degenerated or damaged bone and soft-tissues. Currently, surgical manipulation of these bones and soft tissues is accomplished with the application of manual force either directly on tissue or through devices that transmit forces to the tissue including pins, screws, bolts, straps, and clamps. These methods of performing orthopedic surgery have several disadvantages: Manual force is limited by the strength and endurance of the surgeon and surgical assistants, which limits both the magnitude of manipulation and duration of holding manipulated bone and soft tissue in specific positions. Manual manipulation has limited precision based on the ability of the surgeon and surgical assistants to position bone and soft tissue precisely with manual forces. Reliance on manual manipulation exposes the surgeon and surgical assistants to increased radiation exposure when intra-operative fluoroscopy is used to confirm position during manipulation of bone. These disadvantages result in the need for improved systems and methods for manipulation of bone and soft tissue that improves strength, endurance and precision while decreasing radiation exposure to the surgeon and surgical assistants.
INNOVATION:
A surgical system is provided that includes a drive and control component for one or more robotic arms that couple to sterile end-effectors composing of pins, screws, clamps or rods for transferring motion signals. Pins or bolts can be fixated in bone and can be used as end-effectors or combined with rods to create an end-effector assembly. Each end-effector assembly is grasped by a robot arm, which is converted partially by a sterile drape to shield the arm from the sterile field. The hand controls can then be used to communicate motion signals that are mirrored by the robotic arm to manipulate the bone and soft tissues through end-effector assembly. Motion signals from the drive and control component can be input by the operator using hand controls that correspond to each of the robotic arms. Motion signals may also be input through pre-determined algorithms.
APPLICATIONS:
Principal application of this invention is to assist surgeon to manipulate bone and soft tissue in orthopedic surgical procedures. This invention can potentially be used in other surgical procedures where bone or soft tissue manipulation is required.
ADVANTAGES:
- Compared to manual manipulation, this system will allow more precise manipulation with improved strength and endurance.
This invention will also decrease the radiation exposure to the surgeon and surgical assistants.