A surgeon robot for prostatectomies

Describes work which has resulted in a prototype robotised system for the removal of prostatic tissue. Preliminary feasibility studies are described followed by a series of clinical trials of a manually driven safety frame, specifically configured to give the required motions of the cutter within a safe constrained envelope. The design of a patented device is then described which is based on the mechanics of the safety frame, but is driven by a series of rare earth servomotors under the control of an interactive software system. The merits of this type of operation are discussed together with some of the safety implications.<>