Alcon Inc.
DIRECT DRIVE ROBOT FOR VITREORETINAL SURGERY

Abstract:

The present disclosure relates to high dexterity robotic manipulation systems for ophthalmic microsurgical procedures. In certain embodiments, a robotic surgical system includes a master apparatus controllably coupled to a slave apparatus. The slave apparatus mounts to a patient's head and includes a dual tripod structure having two pluralities of linear actuator links pivotally supporting a surgical tool. The motions of the actuator links are controlled by direct drive actuators to provide at least 6-DOF for the surgical tool. A passive articulating arm having a SCARA mechanism and four-bar parallelogram mechanism attaches to the slave apparatus and counterbalances the weight thereof when mounted on a patient. The surgical system also includes sensors communicatively coupled to the slave apparatus and master apparatus to enable force feedback and force control. Accordingly, the robotic surgical system enhances the dexterity of an operator and enables performance of medical procedures more easily than by hand.