Journal of the Robotics Society of Japan
Online ISSN : 1884-7145
Print ISSN : 0289-1824
ISSN-L : 0289-1824
Optical Drive of SMA Active Forceps for Minimally Invasive Surgery
Yoshihiko NakamuraKazutoshi Shimizu
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1999 Volume 17 Issue 3 Pages 439-448

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Abstract
In this paper, we propose a new method to drive SMA (shape memory alloy) -pipe active forceps for minimally invasive surgery. Two actuation methods of SMA pipe have previously been introduced, namely, hot/cold water circulation, and electric heating. The former suffers from rather slow response. Although the latter shows better response, it is unsuitable for surgery of current-sensitive areas. In this paper, optical heating and gas cooling are newly proposed for heat transfer of the shape memory alloy pipe. The use of optical heating and gas cooling allows to actuate forceps in dry conditions, which simplifies sterilization and eases manufacturing process. It also opens the way to applying this forceps to surgery of current-sensitive areas, such as cardiac and cerebral surgery. The prototype active forceps is fablicated using KTP/YAG laser as light source, thin optical fiber (core diameter: 0.3 [mm] ) as light guide, and CO2 freezing gas as coolant. Mathematical analysis provides fundamental heating/cooling performance. The prototype experimentally shows approximately 3 [sec] of heating/cooling speed.
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