Applicability of the robot arm for microsurgical operations

Abstract

In this project, we evaluated a new robotic arm, RAMS (Robot Assisted Microsurgery) Workstation, for microsurgical procedures. We assigned seven microsurgical tasks to the robotic arm to investigate its capabilities and limitations during microsurgery. The robotic arm was able to function as the primary operating tool in removal of foreign bodies and thrombi as well as in intravascular positioning and holding of needles and catheters. The robot worked with great precision and without vibration. It served as an assisting tool in vessel dissection, ligation of side branches, and microsurgical anastomosis. The main drawbacks include a long warm-up period, the large size, poor rotation of the tip of the robotic arm, and frequent unintended shut-downs. The RAMS Workstation is a precise tool and can assist the surgeon as a "second" or "third hand". It cannot entirely replace the microsurgical instruments held by the surgeon.