Development of uterine manipulator robot linked to surgical forceps or surgical process

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K12744
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 90130:Medical systems-related
• Research Institution: National Cancer Center Japan
• Principal Investigator: Takenaka Shin 国立研究開発法人国立がん研究センター, 東病院, 医員 (60515211)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 廣瀬 佑輔 昭和大学, 医学部, 助教 (40869187)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 自動操縦 / マニピュレーター / 人工知能 / 手術ロボット

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The uterine manipulator (UMP) is an essential device for gynecological laparoscopic surgery. However, due to the reduction in human resources and the introduction of robotic surgery, it has become difficult for surgeons to operate the UMP directly. To address this issue, we undertook the development of a UMP operation robot. First, to analyze the operation of the UMP, we observed the movements of the UMP in approximately 40 cases using angle sensors and cameras, and calculated the angles of the UMP at each surgical phase. Next, we developed a robotic arm and verified whether the UMP could be operated automatically. Additionally, we conducted safety evaluations using cadavers. Finally, we tested the automatic operation of the UMP in conjunction with the surgical phases using a simulator, employing a machine learning-based surgical process recognition model.

Free Research Field

婦人科内視鏡手術、婦人科腫瘍

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は、ロボット支援による子宮マニピュレーター（UMP）操作の自動化を実現することで、婦人科腹腔鏡手術における術者の負担軽減と手術精度の向上を目指している。学術的には、UMPの動作解析および機械学習を用いた自動操作モデルの構築は、ロボット手術の新たな応用例となり得る。社会的には、人的資源の不足や手術の複雑化に対応し、より多くの患者に高品質な医療を提供する一助となる。