Telepresence surgery demonstration system

Endoscopic surgical methods are replacing open surgery in many procedures, but dexterity and force feedback are not adequate with current tools. To enhance the ability of surgeons to operate endoscopically, we have developed a telepresence system with integrated 3D stereo viewing, a prototype force-reflecting manipulator, and aural feedback. Careful attention was paid to the human factors in the endoscopic surgery setting to make the system natural to use in the hope of eliminating the long training period normally required. The 4-axis (plus gripper) manipulator provides the same degrees of freedom as the laproscopic tools now being used for surgery. The bilateral control system provides for magnified motion and/or force reflection. This approach eliminates the motion reversal, or fulcrum effect, in operating through the abdominal wall. Preliminary dexterity experiments with different force feedback and viewing conditions verify intuitive use and fast learning.<<ETX>>