Tags:Gastrointestinal Tract, Minimally Invasive Surgery and Soft Robotics
Abstract:
Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death globally and there is a great need for improved screening and treatment options. Among new surgical techniques using flexible endoscopes is Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD), which provides patient benefits in comparison to other techniques currently in use, such as piecemeal Endoscopic Mucosal Resection. We have created a soft robotic device that aims to deliver the advantages of robotic assisted surgery while remaining low-profile and flexible when not in use. Importantly, our robot can be rapidly manufactured at low cost, reducing barriers to accessibility and widespread uptake of soft robotic technologies.