title: Development of miniaturized light endoscope-holder robot for laparoscopic surgery.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We have conducted experiments with an innovatively designed robot endoscope holder for laparoscopic surgery that is small and low cost.
  
  
  METHODS
  A compact light endoscope robot (LER) that is placed on the patient's skin and can be used with the patient in the lateral or dorsal supine position was tested on cadavers and laboratory pigs in order to allow successive modifications. The current control system is based on voice recognition. The range of vision is 360 degrees with an angle of 160 degrees . Twenty-three procedures were performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The tests made it possible to advance the prototype on a variety of aspects, including reliability, steadiness, ergonomics, and dimensions. The ease of installation of the robot, which takes only 5 minutes, and the easy handling made it possible for 21 of the 23 procedures to be performed without an assistant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The LER is a camera holder guided by the surgeon's voice that can eliminate the need for an assistant during laparoscopic surgery. The ease of installation and manufacture should make it an effective and inexpensive system for use on patients in the lateral and dorsal supine positions. Randomized clinical trials will soon validate a new version of this robot prior to marketing.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, CHU Grenoble, Grenoble, France. JALong@chu-grenoble.fr
authors.forename: Jean-Alexandre
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Long
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cinquin
authors.forename: Jocelyne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Troccaz
authors.forename: Sandrine
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Voros
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Berkelman
authors.forename: Jean-Luc
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Descotes
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Letoublon
authors.forename: Jean-Jacques
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Rambeaud
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002102:Cadaver; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D020706:Laparoscopes; D008904:Miniaturization; D012371:Robotics; D049250:Speech Recognition Software; D013552:Swine; D013520:Urologic Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014584:User-Computer Interface