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NYU Abu Dhabi Innovates Tactile Feedback System for Minimally Invasive Surgery

A team of researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Microfluidics and Microdevices Laboratory (AMMLab) has unveiled a groundbreaking sensing solution designed to restore tactile feedback in minimally invasive surgery (MIS). This innovative “off-the-jaw” system enhances the precision, usability, and safety of surgical procedures by incorporating force and angle sensors into the handles of laparoscopic instruments.

Minimally invasive surgery is characterized by small incisions, which effectively minimize patient discomfort, accelerate recovery periods, and reduce the likelihood of infection. However, traditional tools used in MIS often eliminate a surgeon’s sense of touch, complicating the ability to gauge the necessary amount of force and to differentiate between various tissue types. The absence of tactile feedback can lead to critical mistakes, such as applying too much or too little pressure on delicate tissues.

The innovative “off-the-jaw” system, as discussed in IEEE Access, marks a notable evolution from traditional designs that typically feature sensors mounted at the jaws of surgical instruments. This pioneering approach is unique in that it detaches the sensing mechanism from the surgical site, offering a streamlined, cost-effective solution that integrates effortlessly with any commercially available laparoscopic tool. This advancement addresses several challenges associated with sensor implementation, including issues of wiring complexity, contamination, and sterilization.

In addition to elevating surgical accuracy and safety, this technology could significantly reduce the learning curve for novice surgeons by providing objective feedback on tactile sensations. Such features can accelerate the acquisition of essential MIS skills. Furthermore, the adaptable nature of this system opens avenues for its application beyond traditional surgery, including robotic-assisted procedures, endoscopy, telemedicine, and various other medical practices.

“Minimally invasive surgery has transformed surgical practices, yet the absence of tactile feedback presents ongoing challenges,” remarked Mohammad A. Qasaimeh, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering at NYU Abu Dhabi. “Our system reintroduces this vital sense of touch, equipping surgeons with immediate data about tissue stiffness and thickness. The ‘off-the-jaw’ design mitigates contamination concerns and allows for straightforward integration with existing surgical tools.”

Wael Othman, Ph.D., a Postdoctoral Researcher at AMMLab, noted that initial trials have shown a 30 percent increase in surgical efficiency, underscoring the technology’s potential to enhance surgical performance significantly. “Going forward, we intend to optimize this system for robotic-assisted surgeries and investigate even more advanced microfluidic sensors that could provide finer distinctions among tissue types,” Othman explained.

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