Warranting Utilization of Appropriate Cannulas during Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgeries

To carry out robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery, cannulas of many distinctive types, each individually recognized via grooves and ridges machined into the space clamped by the robotic member are applied. Surgeons need to use sensors to confirm that a trocar or cannula with proper diameter and length has been loaded into the robotic member before insertion into the body cavity.

Because, if the incorrect type of cannula is equipped it can be too tiny for the devices needed or too huge for the intended procedure, with potential damage to surgical outcomes.

Inductive sensors, optimized for multiplied working distance, are set up in the robotic member to figure out the absence or presence of machined ridges and grooves in the cannula.  Because of the area limitations, these 6.5 mm diameter sensors are boarded side by side with no spacing, basically violating mounting rules. To minimize the probability of cross-talk or mutual interference the sensors are powered on and off sequentially and their output status monitored.