AUTOMATED ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM FOR OPTIMAL POSITIONING

摘要

A robotic system (10) that moves a surgical instrument (18) in response to the actuation of a control panel (112) that can be operated by a surgeon. The robotic system (10) has an end effector (32) that is adapted to hold a surgical instrument (18) such as an endoscope (18). The end effector (32) is coupled to a robotic arm assembly (16) which can move the endoscope (18) relative to a patient (12). The robotic system (10) includes a computer (20) which controls the movement of the robotic arm assembly (16) in response to input signals received from the control panel (112). The robotic system (10) is mounted to cart (200) which can be wheeled to and from an operating table (204). The robotic system (10) also contains a spring loaded mount plate (208) that allows the robotic arm assembly (16) to be rotated and adjusted relative to the cart (200) and the patient (12). Both the robotic arm assembly (16) and the control panel (112) are encapsulated by protective bags (110 and 116) that prevent the robotic system (10) from being contaminated.