Micro-grasping forceps manipulator for mr-guided neurosurgery

Abstract

Mechanical support system is needed for minimally invasive surgery, since it enables precise manipulation of surgical instruments beyond human ability in a small operation space. Furthermore, a robot available for intraoperative MRI guided neurosurgical procedures could allow less invasive and more accurate image guided surgery. By combination of precise positioning to the target by intra-operative MRI guided surgery and dexterity by the multi function micromanipulator, safe and smooth operation is expected to be performed. In this approach, we have developed MR-compatible micro-forceps manipulator of the multi-function micromanipulator system for neurosurgery. By a new cam mechanism for two degrees of bending freedom, we achieved these excellent characteristics for the micro forceps. 1) Simple mechanism suitable for a micromanipulator, 2) Precise positioning, 3) Suitable mechanism for MR compatible manipulator. By evaluation experiments, we confirmed precise positioning of the manipulator and MR compatibility of the manipulator.