title: Novel CO2 laser robotic controller outperforms experienced laser operators in tasks of accuracy and performance repeatability.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To introduce a novel method of combining robotics and the CO(2) laser micromanipulator to provide excellent precision and performance repeatability designed for surgical applications.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pilot feasibility study.
  
  
  METHODS
  We developed a portable robotic controller that appends to a standard CO(2) laser micromanipulator. The robotic accuracy and laser beam path repeatability were compared to six experienced users of the industry standard micromanipulator performing the same simulated surgical tasks. Helium-neon laser beam video tracking techniques were employed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The robotic controller demonstrated superiority over experienced human manual micromanipulator control in accuracy (laser path within 1 mm of idealized centerline), 97.42% (standard deviation [SD] 2.65%), versus 85.11% (SD 14.51%), P = .018; and laser beam path repeatability (area of laser path divergence on successive trials), 21.42 mm(2) (SD 4.35 mm(2) ) versus 65.84 mm(2) (SD 11.93 mm(2) ), P = .006.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Robotic micromanipulator control enhances accuracy and repeatability for specific laser tasks. Computerized control opens opportunity for alternative user interfaces and additional safety features.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7070, USA.
authors.forename: Yu-Tung
authors.initials: YT
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: Charles C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Finley
authors.forename: Joseph F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Giallo
authors.forename: Robert A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Buckmire
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007830:Larynx / Q000601:surgery*; D054020:Lasers, Gas; D008866:Microsurgery; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures; D012371:Robotics