Ep12 - Using on-site data to design a multi-use surgical robot, Dave Saunders, CTO, Galen Surgical

MedTech Speed to Data

The data you need to design a multi-use surgical robot

Surgical robots can do all sorts of things better than humans. But human doctors have a breadth of experiential knowledge and instinct robots cannot replicate anytime soon. Understanding that difference is the key to designing a successful robotic platform. Galen Robotics is expanding the benefits of minimally invasive surgeries by enabling precise surgical maneuvers through human-machine cooperation.

Andy Rogers of Key Tech and Dave Saunders, CTO at Galen Robotics, discuss the challenges of designing surgical robots and the importance of collecting key data early in the design process.

Need to know:

• Identify a clinical application that has value for the surgeon
• Get feedback early and often
• More prototypes yield more data
• Multiple applications help justify cost
• Converting qualitative data to kinematics is key to optimizing performance

The nitty-gritty:

Robots are transforming surgery, making it faster, safer, and less invasive. But the majority of surgical robots on the market today are one-trick ponies.

Galen has a unique technology for delicate ear, nose, and throat (ENT) procedures that could have many applications. Leveraging different types of data gave Galen Robotics an advantage in the market.

A priori knowledge. Galen recognized an unmet need in the marketplace and licensed a concept that was initially developed at Johns Hopkins, so they didn’t have to start from scratch. The robot is not the surgical tool; it is a stabilizing platform that holds and manipulates an ordinary surgical tool similar to power steering in a car. Galen Robotics engineers capitalized on the fact that surgeons know how to use the tools of their trade; they just need a helping hand to use the tools more effectively.

This collaborative approach enables surgeons to focus on what they do best –analyze the situation and decide on a course of action– because the surgical robot stabilizes the instruments and facilitates the procedure.

Observational data. Engineers went into the OR to see which aspects of specific procedures surgeons found the most challenging to see first hand the scale of motion delicate ENT procedures require. This information proved valuable in driving components choices and materials.

Qualitative data. Surgeons have performed head and neck surgeries for decades, so they know what a successful surgery “feels” like. They already have the touch. In this case, engineers were able to use kinematics to turn this trove of anecdotal information into Quantitative data.

Quantitative data. Engineers then quantified surgical movements to adjust the “feel” and “tune out” normal hand tremor. This made surgical motions performed by the surgeon feel more natural. They also added in range-of-motion safeguards to help prevent accidental damage to surrounding tissues.

Prototyping is essential throughout the whole development process . The more, the better– because no matter how crude– each prototype yields valuable user feedback. For example, one Galen Robotics prototype was modeled on the children’s game “Operation”. Doctors at a conference tried to beat the robot, picking a small part out of a slot. Only one succeeded. And Galen Robotics’ concept was validated.

But ultimately, one of the most innovative ideas Galen Robotics is developing may not be their engineering, but a unique go-to-market plan. A plan that helps hospitals avoid the capital-intensive cost of adding another surgical robotic platform, by licensing a Galen Robotics device once it’s approved.

Give it a listen.

HELPFUL LINKS:

https://www.galenrobotics.com/