Tests on reliability of a prostate biopsy telerobotic system.

Abstract

This paper deals with the development of a robotic (mechanical-electronic) system that operates in the field of surgery, with new sensors and equipment ("Biopsy Program"). The system permits a rapid analysis of the mechanical needle + needle-holder + mechanism system for penetration and aspiration for surgery, for prostate biopsies. These operations benefit from the use of a SR 8438 Sankyo Scara robot; they are also remote-controlled, i.e. via telerobotics. They require accurate positioning in known points of three-dimensional space with a high degree of precision. The safety of the surgical operations is guaranteed by the most complete observance of regulations under European Union Directives and Decrees 626 and 242 of Italian laws. The system proposed represents a big step for the application of industrial solutions, precisely for industrial companies in the medical and surgical field.