Hybrid-Structure Hand-Held Robotic Endoscope for Sinus Surgery

Overview

This system composes of a 2 DOF proximal flexible section and a 2-DOF distal articulated wrist structure. It has a large visual coverage inside the maxillary sinus and offers enhanced torsional stiffness to minimize unpredictable view rotations. It can be used as a standalone hand-held device or installed on a robotic platform with gravitational force compensation to minimize surgeon’s fatigue.

  • Hybrid-Structure Hand-Held Robotic Endoscope for Sinus Surgery 0
  • Hybrid-Structure Hand-Held Robotic Endoscope for Sinus Surgery 1
  • Hybrid-Structure Hand-Held Robotic Endoscope for Sinus Surgery 2
Research completion
2022
Commercialisation opportunities
licensing
Problem addressed

Existing commercially available endoscopes for sinus surgery are predominantly rigid, which makes it difficult for surgeons to access and observe the narrow spaces of the sinus region, particular in the maxillary sinus.

Innovation
  • Proposal of a novel hybrid-structure manipulator, consisting of a rigid-joint articulated wrist and a flexible section, for inspection and operation inside the maxillary sinus cavity.
  • Development of a compact and light hand-held actuation system for the proposed endoscope with a detachable interface mechanism.
Key impact
  • The manipulator offering two critical features including (a) Sufficient dexterity to provide large visual coverage in the maxillary sinus cavity; (b) Improved torsional stiffness to reduce unpredictable view rotations during surgery.
  • The actuation system can be used as a standalone handheld endoscope or installed on a robotic platform with gravitational force compensation in a robot-assisted procedure to reduce surgeon’s fatigue and improve usability during the operation.
Application
  • Lesion observation during Rhinoscopy
  • Diagnosis of nasal tumor
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)

Founded in 1963, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is a forward-looking comprehensive research university with a global vision and a mission to combine tradition with modernity, and to bring together China and the West. CUHK teachers and students hail from all around the world. Four Nobel laureates are associated with the university, and it is the only tertiary institution in Hong Kong with recipients of the Nobel Prize, Turing Award, Fields Medal and Veblen Prize sitting as faculty in residence. CUHK graduates are connected worldwide through an extensive alumni network. CUHK undertakes a wide range of research programmes in many subject areas, and strives to provide scope for all academic staff to undertake consultancy and collaborative projects with industry. 

Enquiry
Related Innovations