[Future perspective of gastrointestinal 'intelligent' endoscopy].
Although the flexible endoscopy has been widely used in the medical field for many years, there is still great potential in improving the endoscopist's capability to perform therapeutic tasks. The application of flexible endoscopy tools for natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is constrained due to limitations in dexterity, instrument insertion, navigation, visualization, and retraction. Miniature endolumenal robots can mitigate these constraints by providing a stable platform for visualization and dexterous manipulation. In this paper, we describe the high-functioned 'intelligent' endoscopic surgery system with navigation. This system has equipped with accurate master-slave manipulation micro arms which can be used in tandem with a conventional flexible endoscope. The system also has an integrated ultrasound probe and high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) applicator. With the continued development of the techniques and technology of intelligent endoscopy, innovative minimally invasive personalized therapy may realize.
Konishi
Kozo
K
Department of Future Medicine and Innovative Medical Information, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University.
Hashizume
Makoto
M
D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / Q000379:methods*; D019160:Endosonography / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D012371:Robotics / Q000379:methods*