title: Development of a shape memory alloy actuator for transanal endoscopic microsurgery.
abstract: This paper describes problems in traditional transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM), and proposes a mechatronics approach in new design. As one of several actuation mechanisms to expose rectal cavity, a compression coil spring made of shape memory alloy (SMA) has been studied. A custom SMA spring actuator was designed to displace 12 mm with 45 N driving force. This actuator was embedded with our new TEM tubular structure and can be used to expose a rectal site up to 60 mm wide and 80 mm long. This exposure is considered to be sufficient for treating many tumors.
authors.affiliation: Member, IEEE, Division of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 4HN, UK (phone: +44 1382 345484; fax: +44 1382 345508; e-mail: z.z.wang@dundee.ac.uk).
authors.forename: Zhigang
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Jim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hewit
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Abel
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Slade
authors.forename: Bob
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Steele