A novel tactile probe with medical and surgical applications

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to discuss design, fabrication, testing and simulation of a novel tactile probe used for measuring the stiffness of biological soft tissues/materials with a view to medical and surgical applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Both finite element modeling and experimental approach were used in this research. The novel tactile probe capable of recording force-deformation feedback is accompanied with the tactile-status-display which is a custom-designed user-friendly interface. This system can evaluate the stiffness in each part of force-deformation status.

Findings

The new system named novel tactile probe was fabricated, and the results on artificial materials (with different stiffnesses) and the sheep kidney (containing a hard object) were reported. Recording different stiffnesses, detecting hard object embedded in soft tissue and predicting the exact location of it are the main results that have been extracted through the diagrams obtained by the novel tactile probe system.

Research limitations/implications

The designed and fabricated system can be modified and miniaturized to be used during different minimally invasive surgeries in the future.

Practical implications

The most distinguishing feature of this novel tactile probe is its applicability during different laparoscopic surgeries, so the in vivo data can be obtained.

Originality/value

For the first time, a tactile probe has been designed and tested in the form of laparoscopic instrument which upgrades the efficiency of available laparoscopic instruments. Also, the novel tactile probe can be used in both in vivo and in vitro experimental setups for measuring the stiffness of sensed objects.

Citation

Afshari, E., Sarkhosh, H. and Najarian, S. (2017), "A novel tactile probe with medical and surgical applications", Sensor Review, Vol. 37 No. 4, pp. 404-409. https://doi.org/10.1108/SR-10-2016-0226