“This movie shows a novel magnetic levitation camera robot for endoscopic surgery. First, the principle of operation is shown. The magnetic levitation robot is coupled to a group of three external permanent magnets through a 30 mm thick spacer, simulating the abdominal wall. Then, magnetic manual translation is performed and the internal mechanism, rotating on-board permanent magnets, is activated. This results in a precise and wide range tilting of the head module, embedding the camera. The tilt range is then characterised by bench testing, resulting in 0°..80°. A first in vivo test, focused on single port laparoscopy, is then showed. The camera robot is introduced through the single port and linked to the external magnetic handle. The same access can then be used for an additional instrument. The operation is carried on under camera robot visualization. A second in vivo experiment, focused on minimally invasive surgery, is then reported. In this case, 2 robotic cameras and 2 surgical instruments are introduced by 2 accesses. Views from an external endoscope and from the on-board cameras are showed.” |