Deep learning assisted intraoperative instrument cleaning station for robotic scrub nurse systems

Abstract Due to the ongoing shortage of qualified surgical assistants and drive for automation, deployment robotic scrub nurses (RSN) is being investigated. As such systems are expected fulfill all indirect direct forms assistance currently provided by human operating room (OR) assistants, they must also be capable performing intraoperative cleaning laparoscopic instruments, which prone contamination when using electrosurgical techniques during minimally invasive procedures. We present a station nurse provides instruments The system uses deep learning decide autonomously on need preserve instrument functions. performed configuration durability tests determine an optimal set parameters verify performance in application context. results indicate that use hard brushes combination with sodium chloride solution sequence 3 s intervals best minimal total time. show function principle guaranteed duration intervention. Our evaluation have shown our assisted autonomous providing further step towards integration into OR.