The first robots used in medical history were applied to create a stereotactic frame on the patient's skull. The team of surgeons was able to place electrodes and was then enabled to locate the exact place in the brain that needed surgical interference. In 1905, the technique of using robotics during a surgical procedure to create a map of the brain was tested on monkeys. By 1947, this practice was being used for humans. A Swiss robot built in 1993, was able to drill a hole in a patient's skull to insert a probe. Robots have also been applied to minimally invasive surgery MIS). In this operation the robot assists as a "third arm." In some situations the surgeon operates from a control panel instead of at the operating table.
Through the use of robots, surgeons in the medical field are able to perform extensive procedures. Such operations involving robotics used to be considered dangerous due to slow communication. Many experiments with robots in the operating procedure have proved to be successful. The use of robots in the medical field is an immense technological advance.
1A. One example is the UROBOT, which is a universal platform that can accommodate a number of urological procedures. Some of the procedures that UROBOT is hopeful of being equipped with are electrosurgical TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate); laser TURP (using interstitial thermal treatment), TUNA (transurethral needle ablation of the prostate), urodynamics study including accurate prostate sizing, radiological seed implantation, and electroporetic drag delivery. The project began in 1997 with funding from Ministry of Education (MOE) in the amount of $577,900. Another $1,375,000 was given by NSTB. These monies are given for research in Medical Urology. The research is being conducted by MPE (Medical Robotics and Computer Aided Surgery Research Group). The principal investigator in this project is Dr. NG W.S. and is interested in medical robotics and the safety of medical robotics.
1B. Another project that is being researched Is robotic radiological see implantation/ electroporetic drug delivery. The work from this will be useful when the tumors are still confined or localized. There are 2 methods being explored. One is radiations and see implantation and the other is electroporetic drug delivery. They both need precision which makes them perfect for use with robots. The funding is provided by the same groups: MOE and NSTB. The principal investigator is also the same: Dr. NG W.S.
2. Another example is The HIT lab is carrying out an experiment on Minimally Invasive Laproscopic Surgery. They have found that a robotic system can potentially re-map the conventional surgical interface to increase accuracy, efficiency and intuitiveness. They are sponsored by the HITL, which includes the National Science Foundation, the Office of Naval Research, and the Washington Technology Center. The amount of money being granted by each sponsor is not recorded. Peter Oppenheimer is the principal investigator and the research is being conducted at the University of Washington's College of Engineering's HIT lab.
The use of medical robotics has advanced scientific knowledge in the area of human anatomy. Robotics have enabled surgeons to more accurately carry out procedures. Robots have also provided doctors with knowledge about the brain. In the field of medical research, robots have created a wide range of opportunities that will continue to improve the operating procedure.
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