BACKGROUND Advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques will require new types of instrument end-effectors for smaller, longer, and flexible instruments. These include a new class of multifunctional instruments capable of performing more than 1 task with a single set of working jaws. Furthermore, it is desired that multifunctional instruments be designed to provide improved dexterity comp...

In this contribution a selection of instruments has been taken from Section “ (,“ which comprises instruments for operations on the genito-urinary system in the male. This section is the largest in the whole collection of surgical instruments and contains nearis’ 400 exhibits. There are numerous examples of catheters, staffs, gorgets, lithotomy forceps, lithotrites and other instruments emj)loy...

BACKGROUND As a crucial part of an image-guided oral implantology system (IGOIS), intra-operative motion tracking is important in terms of accuracy and efficiency. The tracking method, including the relevant algorithms, is described in detail. METHODS The conventional CAD method is proposed to build the three-dimensional (3D) surgical instrument models. With the application of the optical tra...

Optical tracking systems are widely adopted in surgical navigation. An optical tracking system is designed based on the principle of stereo vision with high-precision and low cost. This system uses optical infrared LEDs that are installed on the surgical instrument as markers and a near-infrared filter is added in front of the Bumblebee2 stereo camera lens to eliminate the interference of ambie...

ophthalmic equipment, including surgical instruments and diagnostic devices, can be compared to the maintenance of a motor vehicle, something many of us understand well. If you had a car, would you drive it until the fuel runs out or until a tyre punctures, and then abandon it to buy a new car? Of course not. However, many eye care units purchase (or receive as a donation) expensive and delicat...

Robotic surgery is an exciting technology that allows the surgeon to sit at a computer console near the operating table, using mechanical arms with surgical instruments attached to them. This type of surgery is minimally invasive, and the procedure is performed through tiny incisions. This technology is widely used in the United States and is expected to evolve over time with an increase in the...

We present a novel and relatively simple method for magnifying forces perceived by an operator using a tool. A sensor measures the force between the tip of a tool and its handle held by the operator’s fingers. These measurements are used to create a proportionally greater force between the handle and a brace attached to the operator’s hand, providing an enhanced perception of forces between the...