2 mm Bipolar Cautery Instrument for Robot-assisted Neuroendoscopy

Abstract

Electrosurgery is used in the operating room as a means to cut tissue and maintain hemostasis. Bipolar cautery can be very useful in helping neurosurgeons treat hydrocephalus by cauterizing the choroid plexus to reduce cerebrospinal fluid production; however, current instrument designs are not well suited to a typical neuroendoscopic working channel due to their rigid structure, limited range of motion, and bulky design. A novel minimally invasive bipolar cautery tool suitable for flexible neuroendoscopy has been developed to solve this issue. The system features bipolar tips that resemble grasping forceps, making it easy for surgeons to hold tissue while performing electrosurgery. The tool is compatible with a concentric tube surgical robot and has preserved the intended function of an electrosurgical tool, making it easier to access to miniature anatomies, increase range of motion, and improve surgical outcomes.